Search through 251'286 wikileaks cables
B R O W S E
By embassy:
Abidjan Abu Dhabi Abuja Accra Adana Addis Ababa Alexandria Algiers American Institute Taiwan, Taipei Amman Amsterdam Ankara Antananarivo Apia Ashgabat Asmara Astana Asuncion Athens Auckland Baghdad Baku Bamako Bandar Seri Begawan Bangkok Bangui Banjul Barcelona Beijing Beirut Belfast Belgrade Belmopan Berlin Bern Bishkek Bogota Brasilia Bratislava Brazzaville Bridgetown Brussels Bucharest Budapest Buenos Aires Bujumbura Cairo Calgary Canberra Cape Town Caracas Casablanca Chengdu Chennai Chiang Mai Chisinau Ciudad Juarez Colombo Conakry Copenhagen Cotonou Curacao Dakar Damascus Dar Es Salaam Department of State Dhahran Dhaka Dili DIR FSINFATC Djibouti Doha Dubai Dublin Durban Dushanbe Dusseldorf Embasy Bonn Florence Frankfurt Freetown Fukuoka Gaborone Georgetown Grenada Guadalajara Guangzhou Guatemala Guayaquil Halifax Hamburg Hamilton Hanoi Harare Helsinki Hermosillo Ho Chi Minh City Hong Kong Hyderabad Iran RPO Dubai Islamabad Istanbul Izmir Jakarta Jeddah Jerusalem Johannesburg Kabul Kaduna Kampala Karachi Kathmandu Khartoum Kigali Kingston Kinshasa Kolkata Kolonia Koror Krakow Kuala Lumpur Kuwait Kyiv La Paz Lagos Lahore Leipzig Libreville Lilongwe Lima Lisbon Ljubljana Lome London Luanda Lusaka Luxembourg Madrid Majuro Malabo Managua Manama Manila Maputo Marseille Maseru Matamoros Mbabane Melbourne Merida Mexico Milan Minsk Mission Geneva Mission UNESCO Mission USNATO Mission USOSCE Mogadishu Monrovia Monterrey Montevideo Montreal Moscow Mumbai Munich Muscat Nagoya Naha Nairobi Naples Nassau Ndjamena New Delhi Niamey Nicosia Nogales Nouakchott Nuevo Laredo Osaka Kobe Oslo Ottawa Ouagadougou Panama Paramaribo Paris Perth Peshawar Phnom Penh Podgorica Ponta Delgada Port Au Prince Port Louis Port Moresby Port Of Spain Prague Praia Pretoria Pristina Quebec Quito Rabat Rangoon Recife REO Basrah REO Hillah REO Kirkuk REO Mosul Reykjavik Riga Rio De Janeiro Riyadh Rome San Jose San Salvador Sanaa Santiago Santo Domingo Sao Paulo Sapporo Sarajevo Secretary of State Seoul Shanghai Shenyang Singapore Skopje Sofia St Petersburg Stockholm Strasbourg Surabaya Suva Sydney Tallinn Tashkent Tbilisi Tegucigalpa Tehran Tel Aviv The Hague Thessaloniki Tijuana Tirana Tokyo Toronto Tripoli Tunis Ulaanbaatar UN Rome UNVIE US Delegation FEST TWO US Delegation, Secretary US Interests Section Havana US Mission CD Geneva US Mission Geneva US Office Almaty US OFFICE FSC CHARLESTON USEU Brussels USMISSION USTR GENEVA USUN New York Valletta Vancouver Vatican Vienna Vientiane Vilnius Vladivostok Warsaw Wellington Windhoek Yaounde Yekaterinburg Yerevan Zagreb
By classification:
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
SECRET
SECRET//NOFORN
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
By year:
2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1979 1978 1975 1973 1972 1966
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
SECRET
SECRET//NOFORN
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
By year:
2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1979 1978 1975 1973 1972 1966
By tags:
AA AADP AALC ABDALLAH FETHI ABDULHADI ABDULRAHMEN ABER ABLD ABLDG ABLG ABMC ABT ABUD AC ACABQ ACAO ACBAQ ACCELERATED ACCOUNT ACDA ACEC ACKM ACOA ACOTA ACS ACTION ADANA ADB ADCO ADCP ADEL ADEP ADIP ADM ADMIRAL ADPM ADRC AE AEC AECL AEGR AEIR AEM AEMED AEMR AER AESC AF AFAF AL HOURANI AFARI AFDB AFDIN AFFAIRS AFGHAN AFGHANISTAN AFIN AFL AFLU AFOR AFR AFSA AFSI AFSN AFU AFZAL AG AGAO AGENCIES AGENDA AGENGA AGIT AGMT AGOA AGR AGRI AGRIC AGRICULTURE AGS AGUILAR AGUIRRE AHMED AI AIAG AID AIDAC AIDS AIEA AIHRC AIN AINF AINFCY AINR AINT AISG AIT AJ AK AL ALAB ALAMI ALANAZI ALBE ALEXANDER ALI ALIREZA ALJAZEERA ALL ALNEA ALOUNI ALOW ALOWAR ALVAREZ AM AMAT AMB AMBASSADOR AMCHAM AMCHAMS AMCT AME AMED AMEDI AMEMR AMER AMERICAS AMEX AMG AMGE AMGMT AMGT AMIA AMLB AMPR AMT AMTC AMTG AN ANARCHISTS ANC AND ANDREW LEE WATKINS ANET ANTITERRORISM ANTOINE GHONDA ANTONIO ANTXON AO AOCR AODE AOIC AOMS AOPR AORC AORD AOREC AORG AORL AOWC AP APCS APDC APEC APECO APER APR APRC APRM AQ AR ARAB ARABBL ARABL ARABLEAGUE ARAS ARC ARCH ARENA AREP ARF ARG ARM ARMITAGE ARMS ARNOLD FREDERICK MORRIS AROC ARR ARRMZY ARSO AS ASA ASAC ASC ASCC ASCE ASCEC ASCH ASE ASEAN ASEC ASECARP ASECE ASECM ASECSI ASECVE ASED ASEDC ASEG ASEK ASES ASEX ASFC ASIC ASIG ASIR ASJA ASO ASOC ASPA ASR ASSEMBLY ASSK ASSSEMBLY ASUP AT ATFN ATPDEA ATRA ATRD ATRN AU AU-1 AUC AUNR AUSGR AUSTRALIAGROUP AV AVERY AVIAN AVIANFLU AVIATION AW AX AY AZ AZE B. BA BAGHDAD BAIO BAKOYANNIS BALKANS BAPOL BARACK BASHAR BATA BAYS BB BBG BBSR BC BCW BCXP BD BE BEAN BELLVIEW BEN BERARDUCCI BESP BEXB BEXP BEXPC BEXPPLM BEXT BF BFIF BFIN BFIO BG BGD BGMT BH BHUM BI BIC BIDOON BIH BILAT BIMSTEC BINR BIO BIOS BIOTECH BIOTECHNOLOGY BIT BITO BK BL BLR BLUE BLUNT BM BMENA BMGT BMOT BN BNUC BO BOIKO BOL BOND BOQ BORDER BOSNIA BOU BOUCHAIB KAKA BOUTERSE BP BPIS BPTS BR BRIAN BRITNEY BRITNY BRPA BRUSSELS BS BSSR BT BTA BTC BTIO BTIU BTRA BTT BU BUD BULGARIA BURMA BURNS BUSH BUY AMERICA BV BW BWC BX BXEP BY BZ CA CAC CACM CACS CAFTA CAIO CAJC CAMBODIA CAN CAPC CARC CARE CARIB CARICOM CARSON CAS CASA CASC CASCC CASCR CASE CASTILLO CAVO CB CBC CBD CBE CBG CBIS CBM CBSA CBTH CBW CCSR CCY CD CDB CDC CDCC CDCE CDG CDI CE CEA CEC CEDAW CEN CENSUS CENTCOM CENTRIC CEUDA CF CFE CFED CFG CFIS CFSP CG CGEN CGOPRC CH CHAD CHALLENGE CHAO CHAVEZ CHELIDZE CHENEY CHERTOFF CHG CHIEF CHN CHR CHR-1 CHRISTIAN CHRISTOF CHRISTOPHER CI CIA CIAT CIC CICTE CIDA CIO CIP CIS CITEL CITES CITIBANK CITT CIVAIR CIVS CJ CJAN CJUS CK CKGR CKOR CL CLEARANCE CLINTON CLMT CLO CLOK CM CMAE CMFT CMGT CMP CMT CN CNAR CNARC CNC CNO CO CODEL COE COL COLIN COLLECTIVE COLOMBO COM COMESA COMMERCE CON CONAWAY CONDOLEEZZA CONDOLEEZZA RICE CONEAZ CONG CONGO CONGRINT CONS CONSULAR CONTROL CONTROLS CORRUPTION COSI COUNTER COUNTER TERRORISM COUNTERTERRORISM COUNTRY COUNTRYCLEARANCE CP CPA CPAS CPC CPCTC CPPT CPUOS CQ CR CRIM CRIME CRIMES CRISTINA CRM CROATIA CROS CRS CRUZ CS CSCE CSEP CSIS CSW CT CTBT CTER CTERR CTM CTR CTRYCLR CU CUCO CUIS CUL CUSTODIO CV CVIA CVIC CVIS CVISU CVPR CVR CW CWC CWCM CWG CX CY CYNTHIA CYP CYPRUSARMS CZ DA DAC DAFR DAN DANFUNG DANIEL DAO DARFR DARFUR DAVID DAVID LEE HOWES DAVID WELCH DAVID WILLIAM RAY DB DC DCDG DCG DCHA DCI DCM DCOM DCRM DE DEA DEAX DEFENSE DEFENSEREFORM DELTAVIOLENCE DEM DEMARCHE DEMARCHES DEMETRIOS DEMOCRATIC DENNIS DEOC DEPORTATION DEPT DEPT FOR DS COMMAND CENTER DESI DHA DHLAKAMA DHLS DHRF DHS DHSX DIEZ DIPLOMACY DISENGAGEMENT DJ DK DKEM DMIN DMINE DO DOC DOD DOE DOJ DOMC DOMESTIC DOMESTICPOLITICS DONALD RUMSFELD DOT DPAO DPKO DPM DPOL DPRK DR DRC DRIP DRL DS DSR DSS DTFN DTRA DTRO DU DUNCAN CAMERON DVC DY EAC EAD EADI EADM EAG EAGER EAGR EAI EAIC EAID EAIDB EAIDCIN EAIDEGZ EAIDMG EAIDNI EAIF EAIG EAIO EAIR EAIS EAIT EAOD EAP EAPC EAR EARI EASS EATO EAUD EAVI EB EBEXP EBRD EBUD EC ECA ECCP ECCT ECE ECHEVARRIA ECIN ECIP ECLAC ECN ECOIN ECOM ECON ECONCS ECONEGE ECONOMIC ECONOMICS ECONOMY ECONOMY AND FINANCE ECOR ECOS ECOSOC ECOWAS ECPC ECPN ECPO ECPS ECPSN ECRM ECTRD ECUN ED EDA EDEV EDRC EDU EDUARDO EDUC EE EEB EEC EENG EENV EEOC EET EETC EFI EFIC EFIM EFIN EFIS EFLU EFN EFND EFNI EFQ EFTA EG EGAD EGAR EGEN EGHG EGOV EGOVSY EH EI EIAD EIAID EIAR EIB EICN EID EIDE EIDN EIFN EIN EIND EINDIR EINF EING EINN EINO EINR EINT EINV EINZ EIPR EIQ EISL EISNLN EITC EITI EIVN EK EL ELA ELAB ELAD ELAINE ELAM ELAN ELAP ELB ELBA ELBR ELEC ELECTIONS ELF ELIN ELN ELND ELNT ELTD ELTM ELTN ELTRN EMAIL EMED EMI EMIN EMN EMS EMW EN END ENDURING ENEG ENER ENERG ENERGY ENFR ENG ENGR ENGRD ENGRG ENGY ENIV ENLT ENNP ENR ENRC ENRG ENRL ENTG ENV ENVI ENVIRONMENT ENVR ENVT EON EOXC EP EPA EPAT EPCS EPE EPEC EPECO EPET EPIN EPIT EPPD EPRT EPSC EPTE EPTED EPWR EQ EQRD ER ERA ERD EREL ERGR ERICKSON ERIN ERTD ES ESA ESCAP ESCI ESDP ESENV ESF ESLCO ESOC ESOCI ESPS ESS ESSO ESTH ESTN ESTRADA ET ETA ETAD ETC ETCC ETD ETDR ETEL ETER ETEX ETFN ETIC ETIO ETLN ETMIN ETR ETRA ETRAD ETRB ETRC ETRD ETRDECD ETRG ETRK ETRN ETRO ETRP ETT ETTC ETTD ETTF ETTN ETTR ETTRD ETTW ETZ EU EUC EUCOM EUE EUEAID EUFOR EUM EUMEM EUN EUR EUREM EURM EURN EV EVENTS EVN EWRG EWT EWTR EWWT EX EXBS EXEC EXIM EXO EXPORT EXTERNAL EZ FA FAA FAC FAGR FAO FARC FARM FAS FATAH FBI FCC FCS FCSC FCSCEG FCUL FDA FDIC FEDULOV FEMA FERNANDO FGM FI FIGUEROA FIN FINANCE FINE FINR FINREF FINV FIR FISO FJ FK FKFLO FKLU FLU FM FMC FMGT FMLN FMS FO FOI FOOKS FOR FORCE FORCES FOREIGN FORWHA FP FPC FR FRA FRANCIS FRANCISCO RODENAS RUIZ FRANCISCO VILLA URBALEJO FRAZER FRB FREDOM FREEDOM FRELIMO FRIED FRN FRU FSC FSI FT FTA FTAA FWS GA GAERC GAMES GANGS GAO GARCIA GASPAR GATES GATT GAZA GAZPROM GB GBSLE GC GCC GCCC GE GEF GEORGE GERARD GESKE GF GG GH GI GIPNC GIWI GJ GKGIC GL GLOBAL GM GN GO GOG GOI GOMEZ GON GOVPOI GPGOV GPI GPOI GPOV GR GREGG RENE WALTER GRQ GS GT GTIP GTMO GTREFTEL GU GUAM GUANTANAMO GUIDANCE GUILLERMO GUTIERREZ GV GWI GY GZ GZIS HA HAMID KARZAI HARRIET HARRY HAWZ HCOPIL HDP HE HEAVEN HEBRON HECTOR HELGERSON HERCEGOVINA HG HHS HI HIGHLIGHTS HIJAZI HILARY HILLARY HILLEN HIPC HIV HIZ HK HKSX HL HLSX HN HNCHR HO HOA HOSTAGES HPKO HR HRC HRCS HRICTY HRIGHTS HRKSTC HSI HSTC HSWG HT HTCG HTSC HU HUD HUM HUMAN HUMANITARIAN HUMANR HUMANRIGHTS HUMOR HUMRIT HUNRC HURI HURRICANE HYDE HYLAND HYMPSK HZ IA IACHR IACI IACO IACW IADB IAEA IAES IAHRC IAIE IAII IASA IATTC IAZ IBB IBD IBET IBPCA IBRB IBRD IC ICAC ICAO ICC ICCAT ICCROM ICES ICJ ICRC ICRS ICSCA ICTR ICTY ID IDA IDB IDLI IDLO IDP IDR IE IEA IEAB IEF IF IFAD IFC IFIN IFM IFO IFR IFRC IG IGAD IGF IHO IICA IINS IIP IK IL ILAB ILC ILEA ILO IMC IMET IMF IMMIGRATION IMO IMSO IMTS IN INAUGURATION INCB IND INDO INF INFLUENZA INL INMARSAT INNP INPFC INR INRA INRB INRD INRO INRPAZ INS INSC INT INTEL INTELLECTUAL INTELSAT INTERNAL INTERPOL INV INVI IO IOC IOM IP IPET IPGRI IPK IPPC IPR IPROP IQ IQNV IR IRAN IRAQ IRAQI IRAQI FREEDOM IRC IRCE IRDB IRE IRL IRLE IRM IRMO IRNB IRPE IRQEGION IRS IS ISA ISAAC ISAF ISCA ISCON ISLAMISTS ISLE ISN ISNV ISO ISPA ISPL ISRAEL ISRAEL RELATIONS ISRAELI ISRAELI PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS ISSUES ISTC IT ITA ITALIAN ITALY ITECIP ITEIND ITELTN ITER ITF ITIA ITRA ITRD ITU IUCN IV IVIANNA IWC IWI IX IZ IZAORC JA JABER JAM JAMES JAPAN JAT JAWAD JCIC JE JEAN-PIERRE BEMBA JEFFERY JEFFREY JENDAYI JHR JI JIMENEZ JIMENEZ CHILDREN JK JKUS JM JN JO JOHANNS JOHN JOHN BOEHNER JOHNNIE JONATHAN CHAMAN JOSE ANGEL ALZUGUREN PERURENA JOSE NEY MILA ESPINOSA JOSE RAMOS HORTA JOSEPH BIDEN JP JS JSRP JUAN JULIAN RENE KIRCHOFF JUS JY KA KACP KACT KACW KADM KAID KALM KALR KANSOU KAPO KARIM WADE KATRINA KAUST KAWC KAWK KAWL KAWS KAWX KAYLA KBCT KBDS KBEM KBIO KBNC KBTC KBTR KBTS KBWG KCCP KCEM KCERS KCFC KCFE KCGC KCHG KCIP KCIS KCM KCMA KCMR KCOG KCOM KCOR KCPS KCRCM KCRI KCRIM KCRM KCRN KCRO KCROM KCROR KCRP KCRS KCRT KCSA KCSI KCSY KCUL KCUM KCVM KCWI KDCM KDDEM KDDG KDE KDEM KDEN KDET KDEV KDGOV KDGR KDHS KDM KDMR KDP KDRG KDRL KDTB KDUM KE KEAI KEANE KEBG KECF KEDEM KEDM KEDU KEIM KEM KEMPI KEMR KEMS KEN KENV KERF KERG KESO KESP KESS KEVIN KFAM KFCE KFE KFEM KFGM KFIN KFIU KFLD KFLO KFLU KFOR KFPC KFRD KFRP KFSC KFTFN KFTN KG KGCC KGCN KGHA KGHG KGIC KGICKS KGIT KGIV KGKG KGLB KGOR KGOV KH KHDP KHGH KHIB KHIV KHJUS KHLS KHMN KHOURY KHPD KHSA KHSL KHUM KI KIBL KICA KICC KICCPUR KICR KICT KID KIDE KIF KIFR KIIC KIIP KIL KILS KIMMITT KIMT KIND KINF KINL KINP KINR KINT KIPR KIPT KIRC KIRD KIRF KIRL KIRP KIS KISC KISK KISL KISM KISR KITA KIVP KIVR KJAN KJRE KJU KJUS KJUST KJWC KK KKIV KKNP KKOR KKPO KLAB KLAP KLBO KLEG KLFLO KLFU KLHS KLIG KLIP KLPM KLSO KLTN KM KMAC KMAR KMCA KMCC KMCR KMDR KMEPI KMFO KMGT KMIG KMNP KMOC KMPF KMPI KMPIO KMPL KMPP KMPT KMRD KMRS KMSG KMVP KMWN KN KNAO KNAP KNAR KNDP KNEI KNEP KNET KNMP KNN KNNA KNNB KNNC KNNF KNNO KNNP KNNR KNOP KNP KNPP KNPPIS KNPR KNPT KNRG KNRV KNSD KNUC KNUP KO KOC KOCI KOCM KOEM KOGL KOLY KOM KOMC KOMCCO KOMCSG KOMH KOMO KOMS KOR KOSOVO KOUYATE KPA KPAD KPAI KPAK KPAL KPALAOIS KPAM KPAO KPAS KPBT KPDD KPEM KPEO KPER KPET KPIN KPIR KPKO KPKP KPLS KPMI KPMO KPO KPOA KPOKO KPOL KPOP KPOV KPOW KPPAO KPPD KPRD KPRM KPRO KPROG KPRP KPRV KPSC KPTD KPTS KPWG KPWR KQ KQM KQRDQ KR KRAD KRAL KRCIM KRCM KRCS KRD KRDP KREC KREF KREISLER KREL KRF KRFD KRFR KRG KRGY KRIC KRIF KRIM KRKO KRM KRMS KRV KRVC KS KSA KSAC KSAF KSCA KSCI KSCS KSCT KSEAO KSEC KSEI KSEO KSEP KSI KSIA KSKN KSLG KSMT KSOC KSOCI KSPA KSPR KSRE KSTC KSTCC KSTCPL KSTH KSTS KSTT KSUM KSUP KT KTAO KTBD KTBT KTCRE KTDB KTDD KTDM KTER KTEX KTFIN KTFM KTFN KTFR KTFS KTIA KTIP KTLA KTNBT KTNF KTPN KTRD KTRF KTSC KTSD KTTB KTTC KTTP KU KUAE KUIR KUM KUNA KUNC KUNH KUNP KUNR KUS KUWAIT KV KVBL KVIP KVIR KVIS KVPR KVRC KVRP KW KWAC KWAK KWAWC KWBC KWBG KWBW KWCI KWCR KWGB KWHG KWIC KWIM KWIR KWKN KWM KWMJN KWMM KWMN KWN KWNM KWNN KWOMN KWPA KWPB KWPG KWPR KWRC KWRF KWRG KWUN KWWT KWWW KX KY KZ LA LAB LABOR LANSANA LANTERN LARREA LARS LAS LAURA LAVIN LAW LB LBAR LBY LE LEAGUE LEB LEBIK LEGAT LEGATT LEIS LEON LEVINE LEW LG LGAT LH LI LIB LICC LIMA LINE LK LMS LN LO LOG LOPEZ LORAN LOTT LOVE LR LS LT LTG LTTE LU LV LVPR LY LZ MA MAAR MACEDONIA MACP MANUEL MANUEL SERGIO GONZALEZ MAP MAPP MAPS MAR MARAD MARANTIS MARIA MARIE MARINO MARITIME MARK MARQUEZ MARR MARS MARTIN MARV MAS MASC MASS MATT MAYA MB MBM MC MCA MCAP MCAPARR MCAPN MCAPP MCAPS MCAT MCC MCCAIN MCCONNELL MCCP MCGRAW MCRM MCTRE MD MDA MDC MDO ME MEA MED MEDIA MEETINGS MENDIETA MEP MEPI MEPN MEPP MERCOSUR MESUR MEX MF MFA MFO MG MGL MGMT MGOV MGT MGTA MH MHUC MI MIAH MIC MICHAEL MICHEL MIGUEL FELIPE CANAHUATI YACAMAN MIGUEL VARGAS MALDONADO MIK MIKE MIL MILI MILITANTS MILITARY MILLENNIUM MINURSO MINUSTAH MITCHELL MJ MK ML MLS MMAR MMED MN MNLF MNNC MNNUC MNU MNUC MNUCH MNUCWA MNUM MNUN MNUR MNUS MNVC MO MOHAMAD MOHAMED HESHAM ELDIN YOUSSEF MOHAMMAD MOLINA MONTENEGRO MONUC MONY MOOPS MOP MOPP MOPPS MOPS MORALES MORG MOROCCO MORS MOS MOTO MOTT MP MPOL MPOS MPP MPS MQADHAFI MR MRCRE MRRR MRS MRSEC MS MSG MSIG MT MTAA MTAG MTCAE MTCR MTCRA MTCRE MTRCE MTRE MTRRE MTS MU MUC MUCN MUKASEY MULLEN MUNC MURAD MURRAY MV MW MX MY MZ NA NAC NACB NADIA NAFTA NAM NAMSA NANCY NAR NARC NARCOTICS NARR NAS NASA NAT NATEU NATGAS NATIONAL NATO NATOAFGHAN NATOBALKANS NATOIRAQ NATOOPS NATOPOLICY NATSIOS NAVO NB NBTS NBU NC NCCC NCD NCT NCTC NDI NDP NE NEA NEC NEGROPONTE NEI NELSON NEPAD NERG NET NEW NFATC NFMS NFSO NG NGO NGUYEN NH NI NICHOLAS NICOLE NIH NIPP NK NKWG NL NLD NLIAEA NLO NMFS NMNUC NMUC NNPT NO NOAA NOI NOK NON NONE NORAD NOTAG NOVO NP NPA NPG NPT NR NRC NRG NRR NRRC NS NSC NSF NSFO NSG NSSP NT NTDB NTSB NTTC NU NUC NUIN NV NW NZ NZUS OA OAO OARC OAS OASC OASCC OASS OAU OBAMA OBS OBSP OCBD OCEA OCED OCHA OCII OCRA OCS OCSE ODAG ODC ODIP ODPC OECD OECS OECV OES OESC OEXC OEXP OF OFDA OFDC OFDP OFDPQIS OFFICIALS OFPD OFSO OGAC OGIV OHCHR OHI OHIP OI OIC OICCO OIE OIF OIG OIIP OIL OIM OLY OLYAIR OLYMPICS OM OMAR OMB OMIG OMS ON ONA OPAD OPBAT OPC OPCD OPCR OPCW OPDAT OPDC OPDP OPEC OPET OPIC OPID OPOC OPPC OPRC OPREC OPREP OPS OPSC OPVIP ORA ORC ORCA ORECD ORED OREG OREP ORGANIZED ORP ORTA ORUE OSAC OSCE OSCI OSD OSEC OSHA OSIC OSTA OSTRA OTA OTAR OTHER OTHERSASNEEDED OTP OTR OTRA OTRABL OTRAO OTRAZ OTRC OTRD OUALI OVIP OVP OXEC OXEM OZ PA PAARM PAC PACE PAGE PAGR PAHO PAIGH PAK PAL PALESTINIAN PAMQ PAN PANAM PAO PAR PARALYMPIC PARCA PAREL PARK PARLIAMENT PARM PARMS PARN PARP PARR PARTIES PARTM PARTY PAS PASS PATRICK WARREN MAHURIN PATTY PAUL PAUM PB PBGT PBIO PBK PBOV PBPTS PBS PBST PBT PBTS PCI PCON PCOR PCRM PCUL PD PDA PDD PDEM PDIP PDOV PDRG PE PEACE PEACEKEEPINGFORCES PEDRO PEL PELOSI PEMEX PENA PENV PEPFAR PEPR PER PEREZ PERL PERM PERSONS PET PETER PETERS PETR PETRAEUS PETROL PF PFIN PFLP PFOR PFOV PG PGGOC PGIC PGIV PGKV PGO PGOC PGOF PGOG PGON PGOR PGOT PGOV PGOVE PGOVQL PGPV PGREL PGREV PGV PH PHALANAGE PHARM PHAS PHEM PHIM PHM PHSA PHU PHUH PHUM PHUMHUPPS PHUN PHUS PHYTRP PI PIA PICES PIF PIN PINB PIND PINER PINF PING PINL PINO PINOCHET PINR PINS PINT PINV PIR PIRF PIRN PJUS PK PKAO PKBL PKFK PKISL PKK PKMN PKNP PKO PKPA PKPAL PKPO PKPRP PKST PL PLAB PLAN PLEC PLN PLO PLUM PM PMAR PMAT PMDL PMIG PMIL PMIN PMR PMUC PN PNAT PNET PNG PNIR PNNL PNR PNRG PNS PNUC PNUK PNUM PO PODC POG POGV POINS POL POLG POLI POLICY POLINT POLITICAL POLITICS POLM POLMIL POLS POLUN POREL PORG POSTS POTUS POUS POV POWELL PP PPA PPAO PPD PPEF PPEL PPKO PPOL PQL PQM PRC PRE PREC PRED PREF PREG PREJ PREK PREL PRELEVU PRELM PRELPLS PRELTBIOBA PREM PREO PREP PRER PRES PRESIDENT PRESL PREV PREZ PRF PRFE PRFL PRGO PRGOV PRIL PRIVATIZATION PRL PRLE PRM PRO PROB PROCESS PROG PROL PROLIFERATION PROP PROPERTY PROTECTION PROTESTS PROV PROVE PRT PRTER PRWL PS PSA PSCE PSEC PSEPC PSHA PSI PSNR PSO PSOC PSOCI PSOE PT PTBS PTE PTEL PTEP PTER PTGOV PTIA PTR PTRD PU PUAS PUBLIC PUNE PUNR PUOS PV PVIP PVOV PVPR PVTS PWBG PWMN PY QA QADRI QEL QI QIZ QM QT QU QUAN QUOC RA RAED RAFAEL RAID RAMON RAMONTEIJELO RAS RATIFICATION RAY GUEVARA MILTON RBI RCA RCMP RE REA REACTION REALTIONS RECIN REF REFORM REFPAN REFUGEE REFUGEES REGION REGIONAL REID REIN REINEMEYER REL RELAM RELATIONS RELFREE RELIGIOUS REMON RENAMO RENE PREVAL REO REPORT REUBEN RF RFE RFIN RFREEDOM RGOV RGY RHUM RI RICE RICHARD RIGHTS RIGHTSPOLMIL RIMC RIVERA RL RLA RM RMA RO ROBERT ROBERT JOSEPH RODHAM RODRIGUEZ ROK ROME ROOD ROSS ROW ROY RP RPEL RPTS RQ RR RRB RREL RS RSO RSOX RSP RSZ RTT RU RUEHZO RV RW RWANDA SA SAAD SAARC SABAH SACU SADC SAFE SAIR SAIS SALOPEK SAMA SAN SANC SANR SAO SARB SARGSIAN SARS SASC SASEC SASIAIN SB SBA SC SCA SCCC SCE SCENESETTER SCHUL SCI SCIENCE SCNV SCOI SCOL SCOM SCPR SCRM SCRS SCRSERD SCUL SCVL SD SE SEC SECDEF SECI SECRET SECRETARY SECSTATE SECTOR SECURITY SEMAAN GABY EID SEN SENC SENG SENS SENU SENV SENVQGR SENVSPL SENVSXE SEP SERBIA SERZH SETTLEMENTS SEVN SEXP SF SFNV SG SGNV SGWI SH SHANNON SHI SHUM SI SILVASANDE SIMS SIPDI SIPDIS SIPR SIPRNET SIPRS SIUK SK SKCA SKEP SKI SKSAF SL SLM SLOVAK SM SMAR SMI SMIG SMIL SMIT SMITH SMRT SN SNA SNAP SNAR SNUC SO SOC SOCI SOCIA SOCIETY SOCIO SOCIS SOCISZX SOCR SOCY SOE SOFA SOI SOIC SOLI SOLIC SOM SOMALIA SOPN SORT SOSI SOVIET SOWGC SP SPAS SPC SPCE SPCVIS SPECI SPECIALIST SPILL SPP SPSTATE SR SREF SRIT SRS SRYI SSA SSH ST STAG START STATE STC STEINBERG STEPHEN HADLEY STET STP STR STUDENT SU SUCCESSION SUFFRAGE SULLIVAN SUMMIT SUR SUSAN SV SW SWHO SWMN SX SXG SY SYAI SYMBOL SYR SYRIA SYSI SYTH SZ TA TAGS TALAL TAUSCHER TAX TB TBI TBID TBIO TBIOZK TBKIO TBO TC TCOR TCSENV TD TDA TE TECH TECHNOLOGY TER TERAA TERFIN TERR TERROR TERRORISM TF TFIN TG TGRY TH THANH THE THERESE THIRDTERM THKSJA THOMAS THOMAS THOMMA THPY TI TIA TIBO TIFA TINT TIO TIP TITI TIUZ TJ TK TL TM TN TNDG TNGD TO TOPEC TORRIJOS TOURISM TP TPHY TPKO TPP TPSA TPSL TR TRAD TRADE TRAFFICKING TRBIO TRBY TRD TREAS TREASURY TREATY TREL TRG TRGV TRGY TRIO TRSY TRT TRV TRY TRYG TRYS TS TSA TSLP TSPA TSPL TSRL TSRY TSY TT TTFN TU TURKEY TV TVBIO TW TWRO TX TY TZ TZBY UA UAE UAID UAM UB UDEM UE UEU UG UGA UK UKR UKRAINE UM UMIK UN UNA UNAF UNAIDS UNAMA UNAMSIL UNAORC UNAUS UNBRO UNC UNCC UNCDF UNCDN UNCHC UNCHR UNCHS UNCITRAL UNCND UNCOPUOS UNCRED UNCRIME UNCSD UNCSW UNCTAD UNDC UNDEF UNDOF UNDP UNECE UNEF UNEP UNESCO UNFA UNFC UNFCYP UNFF UNFICYP UNFIYCP UNFPA UNGA UNGAPL UNGO UNHCR UNHRC UNICEF UNIDCP UNIDO UNIDROIT UNIFEM UNIFIL UNION UNKIK UNM UNMEE UNMIC UNMIK UNMIKI UNMIKV UNMIL UNMIN UNMOVIC UNO UNODC UNOMIG UNOPS UNP UNPAR UNPUOS UNRCCA UNRCR UNREST UNRWA UNSC UNSCAPU UNSCD UNSCE UNSCER UNSCR UNSCS UNSD UNSE UNTAC UNTERR UNTZ UNUS UNVIE UNYI UP UPU UPUO UR US USAID USAU USCC USCG USDA USDELFESTTWO USEU USG USGS USMS USNC USOAS USOP USPS USPTO USSC USTA USTDA USTR USTRD USTRIT USTRPS USTRUWR USUN UUNR UV UX UY UZ VA VANESSA VANG VAT VC VE VELS VEN VENZ VETTING VI VINICIO VIP VIS VISAS VISIT VM VN VO VOA VT VTEG VTFR VTIS VTPREL VTTBIO VTWCAR VXY VY VZ WA WAEMU WAKI WAR WARD WB WBEG WBG WCAR WCI WCL WCO WE WEBG WEBZ WEET WEF WEOG WET WEU WFA WFP WFPAORC WFPO WGC WGG WHA WHITMER WHO WHTI WI WILCOX WILLIAM WIPO WIR WITH WJRO WM WMD WMDT WMN WMO WOMEN WPO WRTO WS WSIS WTO WTRD WTRO WTRQ WW WWARD WWBG WWT WZ XA XAAF XB XC XD XE XF XFNEA XG XH XI XJ XK XL XLUM XM XO XP XQ XR XS XT XTAG XU XV XW XX XXX XY XZ YE YEH YI YL YM YMCS YS YU YURIY ZA ZANU ZB ZC ZCTU ZEALAND ZF ZFR ZH ZI ZIM ZJ ZK ZKGM ZL ZM ZN ZO ZOELLICK ZP ZR ZS ZT ZU ZW ZXA
AA AADP AALC ABDALLAH FETHI ABDULHADI ABDULRAHMEN ABER ABLD ABLDG ABLG ABMC ABT ABUD AC ACABQ ACAO ACBAQ ACCELERATED ACCOUNT ACDA ACEC ACKM ACOA ACOTA ACS ACTION ADANA ADB ADCO ADCP ADEL ADEP ADIP ADM ADMIRAL ADPM ADRC AE AEC AECL AEGR AEIR AEM AEMED AEMR AER AESC AF AFAF AL HOURANI AFARI AFDB AFDIN AFFAIRS AFGHAN AFGHANISTAN AFIN AFL AFLU AFOR AFR AFSA AFSI AFSN AFU AFZAL AG AGAO AGENCIES AGENDA AGENGA AGIT AGMT AGOA AGR AGRI AGRIC AGRICULTURE AGS AGUILAR AGUIRRE AHMED AI AIAG AID AIDAC AIDS AIEA AIHRC AIN AINF AINFCY AINR AINT AISG AIT AJ AK AL ALAB ALAMI ALANAZI ALBE ALEXANDER ALI ALIREZA ALJAZEERA ALL ALNEA ALOUNI ALOW ALOWAR ALVAREZ AM AMAT AMB AMBASSADOR AMCHAM AMCHAMS AMCT AME AMED AMEDI AMEMR AMER AMERICAS AMEX AMG AMGE AMGMT AMGT AMIA AMLB AMPR AMT AMTC AMTG AN ANARCHISTS ANC AND ANDREW LEE WATKINS ANET ANTITERRORISM ANTOINE GHONDA ANTONIO ANTXON AO AOCR AODE AOIC AOMS AOPR AORC AORD AOREC AORG AORL AOWC AP APCS APDC APEC APECO APER APR APRC APRM AQ AR ARAB ARABBL ARABL ARABLEAGUE ARAS ARC ARCH ARENA AREP ARF ARG ARM ARMITAGE ARMS ARNOLD FREDERICK MORRIS AROC ARR ARRMZY ARSO AS ASA ASAC ASC ASCC ASCE ASCEC ASCH ASE ASEAN ASEC ASECARP ASECE ASECM ASECSI ASECVE ASED ASEDC ASEG ASEK ASES ASEX ASFC ASIC ASIG ASIR ASJA ASO ASOC ASPA ASR ASSEMBLY ASSK ASSSEMBLY ASUP AT ATFN ATPDEA ATRA ATRD ATRN AU AU-1 AUC AUNR AUSGR AUSTRALIAGROUP AV AVERY AVIAN AVIANFLU AVIATION AW AX AY AZ AZE B. BA BAGHDAD BAIO BAKOYANNIS BALKANS BAPOL BARACK BASHAR BATA BAYS BB BBG BBSR BC BCW BCXP BD BE BEAN BELLVIEW BEN BERARDUCCI BESP BEXB BEXP BEXPC BEXPPLM BEXT BF BFIF BFIN BFIO BG BGD BGMT BH BHUM BI BIC BIDOON BIH BILAT BIMSTEC BINR BIO BIOS BIOTECH BIOTECHNOLOGY BIT BITO BK BL BLR BLUE BLUNT BM BMENA BMGT BMOT BN BNUC BO BOIKO BOL BOND BOQ BORDER BOSNIA BOU BOUCHAIB KAKA BOUTERSE BP BPIS BPTS BR BRIAN BRITNEY BRITNY BRPA BRUSSELS BS BSSR BT BTA BTC BTIO BTIU BTRA BTT BU BUD BULGARIA BURMA BURNS BUSH BUY AMERICA BV BW BWC BX BXEP BY BZ CA CAC CACM CACS CAFTA CAIO CAJC CAMBODIA CAN CAPC CARC CARE CARIB CARICOM CARSON CAS CASA CASC CASCC CASCR CASE CASTILLO CAVO CB CBC CBD CBE CBG CBIS CBM CBSA CBTH CBW CCSR CCY CD CDB CDC CDCC CDCE CDG CDI CE CEA CEC CEDAW CEN CENSUS CENTCOM CENTRIC CEUDA CF CFE CFED CFG CFIS CFSP CG CGEN CGOPRC CH CHAD CHALLENGE CHAO CHAVEZ CHELIDZE CHENEY CHERTOFF CHG CHIEF CHN CHR CHR-1 CHRISTIAN CHRISTOF CHRISTOPHER CI CIA CIAT CIC CICTE CIDA CIO CIP CIS CITEL CITES CITIBANK CITT CIVAIR CIVS CJ CJAN CJUS CK CKGR CKOR CL CLEARANCE CLINTON CLMT CLO CLOK CM CMAE CMFT CMGT CMP CMT CN CNAR CNARC CNC CNO CO CODEL COE COL COLIN COLLECTIVE COLOMBO COM COMESA COMMERCE CON CONAWAY CONDOLEEZZA CONDOLEEZZA RICE CONEAZ CONG CONGO CONGRINT CONS CONSULAR CONTROL CONTROLS CORRUPTION COSI COUNTER COUNTER TERRORISM COUNTERTERRORISM COUNTRY COUNTRYCLEARANCE CP CPA CPAS CPC CPCTC CPPT CPUOS CQ CR CRIM CRIME CRIMES CRISTINA CRM CROATIA CROS CRS CRUZ CS CSCE CSEP CSIS CSW CT CTBT CTER CTERR CTM CTR CTRYCLR CU CUCO CUIS CUL CUSTODIO CV CVIA CVIC CVIS CVISU CVPR CVR CW CWC CWCM CWG CX CY CYNTHIA CYP CYPRUSARMS CZ DA DAC DAFR DAN DANFUNG DANIEL DAO DARFR DARFUR DAVID DAVID LEE HOWES DAVID WELCH DAVID WILLIAM RAY DB DC DCDG DCG DCHA DCI DCM DCOM DCRM DE DEA DEAX DEFENSE DEFENSEREFORM DELTAVIOLENCE DEM DEMARCHE DEMARCHES DEMETRIOS DEMOCRATIC DENNIS DEOC DEPORTATION DEPT DEPT FOR DS COMMAND CENTER DESI DHA DHLAKAMA DHLS DHRF DHS DHSX DIEZ DIPLOMACY DISENGAGEMENT DJ DK DKEM DMIN DMINE DO DOC DOD DOE DOJ DOMC DOMESTIC DOMESTICPOLITICS DONALD RUMSFELD DOT DPAO DPKO DPM DPOL DPRK DR DRC DRIP DRL DS DSR DSS DTFN DTRA DTRO DU DUNCAN CAMERON DVC DY EAC EAD EADI EADM EAG EAGER EAGR EAI EAIC EAID EAIDB EAIDCIN EAIDEGZ EAIDMG EAIDNI EAIF EAIG EAIO EAIR EAIS EAIT EAOD EAP EAPC EAR EARI EASS EATO EAUD EAVI EB EBEXP EBRD EBUD EC ECA ECCP ECCT ECE ECHEVARRIA ECIN ECIP ECLAC ECN ECOIN ECOM ECON ECONCS ECONEGE ECONOMIC ECONOMICS ECONOMY ECONOMY AND FINANCE ECOR ECOS ECOSOC ECOWAS ECPC ECPN ECPO ECPS ECPSN ECRM ECTRD ECUN ED EDA EDEV EDRC EDU EDUARDO EDUC EE EEB EEC EENG EENV EEOC EET EETC EFI EFIC EFIM EFIN EFIS EFLU EFN EFND EFNI EFQ EFTA EG EGAD EGAR EGEN EGHG EGOV EGOVSY EH EI EIAD EIAID EIAR EIB EICN EID EIDE EIDN EIFN EIN EIND EINDIR EINF EING EINN EINO EINR EINT EINV EINZ EIPR EIQ EISL EISNLN EITC EITI EIVN EK EL ELA ELAB ELAD ELAINE ELAM ELAN ELAP ELB ELBA ELBR ELEC ELECTIONS ELF ELIN ELN ELND ELNT ELTD ELTM ELTN ELTRN EMAIL EMED EMI EMIN EMN EMS EMW EN END ENDURING ENEG ENER ENERG ENERGY ENFR ENG ENGR ENGRD ENGRG ENGY ENIV ENLT ENNP ENR ENRC ENRG ENRL ENTG ENV ENVI ENVIRONMENT ENVR ENVT EON EOXC EP EPA EPAT EPCS EPE EPEC EPECO EPET EPIN EPIT EPPD EPRT EPSC EPTE EPTED EPWR EQ EQRD ER ERA ERD EREL ERGR ERICKSON ERIN ERTD ES ESA ESCAP ESCI ESDP ESENV ESF ESLCO ESOC ESOCI ESPS ESS ESSO ESTH ESTN ESTRADA ET ETA ETAD ETC ETCC ETD ETDR ETEL ETER ETEX ETFN ETIC ETIO ETLN ETMIN ETR ETRA ETRAD ETRB ETRC ETRD ETRDECD ETRG ETRK ETRN ETRO ETRP ETT ETTC ETTD ETTF ETTN ETTR ETTRD ETTW ETZ EU EUC EUCOM EUE EUEAID EUFOR EUM EUMEM EUN EUR EUREM EURM EURN EV EVENTS EVN EWRG EWT EWTR EWWT EX EXBS EXEC EXIM EXO EXPORT EXTERNAL EZ FA FAA FAC FAGR FAO FARC FARM FAS FATAH FBI FCC FCS FCSC FCSCEG FCUL FDA FDIC FEDULOV FEMA FERNANDO FGM FI FIGUEROA FIN FINANCE FINE FINR FINREF FINV FIR FISO FJ FK FKFLO FKLU FLU FM FMC FMGT FMLN FMS FO FOI FOOKS FOR FORCE FORCES FOREIGN FORWHA FP FPC FR FRA FRANCIS FRANCISCO RODENAS RUIZ FRANCISCO VILLA URBALEJO FRAZER FRB FREDOM FREEDOM FRELIMO FRIED FRN FRU FSC FSI FT FTA FTAA FWS GA GAERC GAMES GANGS GAO GARCIA GASPAR GATES GATT GAZA GAZPROM GB GBSLE GC GCC GCCC GE GEF GEORGE GERARD GESKE GF GG GH GI GIPNC GIWI GJ GKGIC GL GLOBAL GM GN GO GOG GOI GOMEZ GON GOVPOI GPGOV GPI GPOI GPOV GR GREGG RENE WALTER GRQ GS GT GTIP GTMO GTREFTEL GU GUAM GUANTANAMO GUIDANCE GUILLERMO GUTIERREZ GV GWI GY GZ GZIS HA HAMID KARZAI HARRIET HARRY HAWZ HCOPIL HDP HE HEAVEN HEBRON HECTOR HELGERSON HERCEGOVINA HG HHS HI HIGHLIGHTS HIJAZI HILARY HILLARY HILLEN HIPC HIV HIZ HK HKSX HL HLSX HN HNCHR HO HOA HOSTAGES HPKO HR HRC HRCS HRICTY HRIGHTS HRKSTC HSI HSTC HSWG HT HTCG HTSC HU HUD HUM HUMAN HUMANITARIAN HUMANR HUMANRIGHTS HUMOR HUMRIT HUNRC HURI HURRICANE HYDE HYLAND HYMPSK HZ IA IACHR IACI IACO IACW IADB IAEA IAES IAHRC IAIE IAII IASA IATTC IAZ IBB IBD IBET IBPCA IBRB IBRD IC ICAC ICAO ICC ICCAT ICCROM ICES ICJ ICRC ICRS ICSCA ICTR ICTY ID IDA IDB IDLI IDLO IDP IDR IE IEA IEAB IEF IF IFAD IFC IFIN IFM IFO IFR IFRC IG IGAD IGF IHO IICA IINS IIP IK IL ILAB ILC ILEA ILO IMC IMET IMF IMMIGRATION IMO IMSO IMTS IN INAUGURATION INCB IND INDO INF INFLUENZA INL INMARSAT INNP INPFC INR INRA INRB INRD INRO INRPAZ INS INSC INT INTEL INTELLECTUAL INTELSAT INTERNAL INTERPOL INV INVI IO IOC IOM IP IPET IPGRI IPK IPPC IPR IPROP IQ IQNV IR IRAN IRAQ IRAQI IRAQI FREEDOM IRC IRCE IRDB IRE IRL IRLE IRM IRMO IRNB IRPE IRQEGION IRS IS ISA ISAAC ISAF ISCA ISCON ISLAMISTS ISLE ISN ISNV ISO ISPA ISPL ISRAEL ISRAEL RELATIONS ISRAELI ISRAELI PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS ISSUES ISTC IT ITA ITALIAN ITALY ITECIP ITEIND ITELTN ITER ITF ITIA ITRA ITRD ITU IUCN IV IVIANNA IWC IWI IX IZ IZAORC JA JABER JAM JAMES JAPAN JAT JAWAD JCIC JE JEAN-PIERRE BEMBA JEFFERY JEFFREY JENDAYI JHR JI JIMENEZ JIMENEZ CHILDREN JK JKUS JM JN JO JOHANNS JOHN JOHN BOEHNER JOHNNIE JONATHAN CHAMAN JOSE ANGEL ALZUGUREN PERURENA JOSE NEY MILA ESPINOSA JOSE RAMOS HORTA JOSEPH BIDEN JP JS JSRP JUAN JULIAN RENE KIRCHOFF JUS JY KA KACP KACT KACW KADM KAID KALM KALR KANSOU KAPO KARIM WADE KATRINA KAUST KAWC KAWK KAWL KAWS KAWX KAYLA KBCT KBDS KBEM KBIO KBNC KBTC KBTR KBTS KBWG KCCP KCEM KCERS KCFC KCFE KCGC KCHG KCIP KCIS KCM KCMA KCMR KCOG KCOM KCOR KCPS KCRCM KCRI KCRIM KCRM KCRN KCRO KCROM KCROR KCRP KCRS KCRT KCSA KCSI KCSY KCUL KCUM KCVM KCWI KDCM KDDEM KDDG KDE KDEM KDEN KDET KDEV KDGOV KDGR KDHS KDM KDMR KDP KDRG KDRL KDTB KDUM KE KEAI KEANE KEBG KECF KEDEM KEDM KEDU KEIM KEM KEMPI KEMR KEMS KEN KENV KERF KERG KESO KESP KESS KEVIN KFAM KFCE KFE KFEM KFGM KFIN KFIU KFLD KFLO KFLU KFOR KFPC KFRD KFRP KFSC KFTFN KFTN KG KGCC KGCN KGHA KGHG KGIC KGICKS KGIT KGIV KGKG KGLB KGOR KGOV KH KHDP KHGH KHIB KHIV KHJUS KHLS KHMN KHOURY KHPD KHSA KHSL KHUM KI KIBL KICA KICC KICCPUR KICR KICT KID KIDE KIF KIFR KIIC KIIP KIL KILS KIMMITT KIMT KIND KINF KINL KINP KINR KINT KIPR KIPT KIRC KIRD KIRF KIRL KIRP KIS KISC KISK KISL KISM KISR KITA KIVP KIVR KJAN KJRE KJU KJUS KJUST KJWC KK KKIV KKNP KKOR KKPO KLAB KLAP KLBO KLEG KLFLO KLFU KLHS KLIG KLIP KLPM KLSO KLTN KM KMAC KMAR KMCA KMCC KMCR KMDR KMEPI KMFO KMGT KMIG KMNP KMOC KMPF KMPI KMPIO KMPL KMPP KMPT KMRD KMRS KMSG KMVP KMWN KN KNAO KNAP KNAR KNDP KNEI KNEP KNET KNMP KNN KNNA KNNB KNNC KNNF KNNO KNNP KNNR KNOP KNP KNPP KNPPIS KNPR KNPT KNRG KNRV KNSD KNUC KNUP KO KOC KOCI KOCM KOEM KOGL KOLY KOM KOMC KOMCCO KOMCSG KOMH KOMO KOMS KOR KOSOVO KOUYATE KPA KPAD KPAI KPAK KPAL KPALAOIS KPAM KPAO KPAS KPBT KPDD KPEM KPEO KPER KPET KPIN KPIR KPKO KPKP KPLS KPMI KPMO KPO KPOA KPOKO KPOL KPOP KPOV KPOW KPPAO KPPD KPRD KPRM KPRO KPROG KPRP KPRV KPSC KPTD KPTS KPWG KPWR KQ KQM KQRDQ KR KRAD KRAL KRCIM KRCM KRCS KRD KRDP KREC KREF KREISLER KREL KRF KRFD KRFR KRG KRGY KRIC KRIF KRIM KRKO KRM KRMS KRV KRVC KS KSA KSAC KSAF KSCA KSCI KSCS KSCT KSEAO KSEC KSEI KSEO KSEP KSI KSIA KSKN KSLG KSMT KSOC KSOCI KSPA KSPR KSRE KSTC KSTCC KSTCPL KSTH KSTS KSTT KSUM KSUP KT KTAO KTBD KTBT KTCRE KTDB KTDD KTDM KTER KTEX KTFIN KTFM KTFN KTFR KTFS KTIA KTIP KTLA KTNBT KTNF KTPN KTRD KTRF KTSC KTSD KTTB KTTC KTTP KU KUAE KUIR KUM KUNA KUNC KUNH KUNP KUNR KUS KUWAIT KV KVBL KVIP KVIR KVIS KVPR KVRC KVRP KW KWAC KWAK KWAWC KWBC KWBG KWBW KWCI KWCR KWGB KWHG KWIC KWIM KWIR KWKN KWM KWMJN KWMM KWMN KWN KWNM KWNN KWOMN KWPA KWPB KWPG KWPR KWRC KWRF KWRG KWUN KWWT KWWW KX KY KZ LA LAB LABOR LANSANA LANTERN LARREA LARS LAS LAURA LAVIN LAW LB LBAR LBY LE LEAGUE LEB LEBIK LEGAT LEGATT LEIS LEON LEVINE LEW LG LGAT LH LI LIB LICC LIMA LINE LK LMS LN LO LOG LOPEZ LORAN LOTT LOVE LR LS LT LTG LTTE LU LV LVPR LY LZ MA MAAR MACEDONIA MACP MANUEL MANUEL SERGIO GONZALEZ MAP MAPP MAPS MAR MARAD MARANTIS MARIA MARIE MARINO MARITIME MARK MARQUEZ MARR MARS MARTIN MARV MAS MASC MASS MATT MAYA MB MBM MC MCA MCAP MCAPARR MCAPN MCAPP MCAPS MCAT MCC MCCAIN MCCONNELL MCCP MCGRAW MCRM MCTRE MD MDA MDC MDO ME MEA MED MEDIA MEETINGS MENDIETA MEP MEPI MEPN MEPP MERCOSUR MESUR MEX MF MFA MFO MG MGL MGMT MGOV MGT MGTA MH MHUC MI MIAH MIC MICHAEL MICHEL MIGUEL FELIPE CANAHUATI YACAMAN MIGUEL VARGAS MALDONADO MIK MIKE MIL MILI MILITANTS MILITARY MILLENNIUM MINURSO MINUSTAH MITCHELL MJ MK ML MLS MMAR MMED MN MNLF MNNC MNNUC MNU MNUC MNUCH MNUCWA MNUM MNUN MNUR MNUS MNVC MO MOHAMAD MOHAMED HESHAM ELDIN YOUSSEF MOHAMMAD MOLINA MONTENEGRO MONUC MONY MOOPS MOP MOPP MOPPS MOPS MORALES MORG MOROCCO MORS MOS MOTO MOTT MP MPOL MPOS MPP MPS MQADHAFI MR MRCRE MRRR MRS MRSEC MS MSG MSIG MT MTAA MTAG MTCAE MTCR MTCRA MTCRE MTRCE MTRE MTRRE MTS MU MUC MUCN MUKASEY MULLEN MUNC MURAD MURRAY MV MW MX MY MZ NA NAC NACB NADIA NAFTA NAM NAMSA NANCY NAR NARC NARCOTICS NARR NAS NASA NAT NATEU NATGAS NATIONAL NATO NATOAFGHAN NATOBALKANS NATOIRAQ NATOOPS NATOPOLICY NATSIOS NAVO NB NBTS NBU NC NCCC NCD NCT NCTC NDI NDP NE NEA NEC NEGROPONTE NEI NELSON NEPAD NERG NET NEW NFATC NFMS NFSO NG NGO NGUYEN NH NI NICHOLAS NICOLE NIH NIPP NK NKWG NL NLD NLIAEA NLO NMFS NMNUC NMUC NNPT NO NOAA NOI NOK NON NONE NORAD NOTAG NOVO NP NPA NPG NPT NR NRC NRG NRR NRRC NS NSC NSF NSFO NSG NSSP NT NTDB NTSB NTTC NU NUC NUIN NV NW NZ NZUS OA OAO OARC OAS OASC OASCC OASS OAU OBAMA OBS OBSP OCBD OCEA OCED OCHA OCII OCRA OCS OCSE ODAG ODC ODIP ODPC OECD OECS OECV OES OESC OEXC OEXP OF OFDA OFDC OFDP OFDPQIS OFFICIALS OFPD OFSO OGAC OGIV OHCHR OHI OHIP OI OIC OICCO OIE OIF OIG OIIP OIL OIM OLY OLYAIR OLYMPICS OM OMAR OMB OMIG OMS ON ONA OPAD OPBAT OPC OPCD OPCR OPCW OPDAT OPDC OPDP OPEC OPET OPIC OPID OPOC OPPC OPRC OPREC OPREP OPS OPSC OPVIP ORA ORC ORCA ORECD ORED OREG OREP ORGANIZED ORP ORTA ORUE OSAC OSCE OSCI OSD OSEC OSHA OSIC OSTA OSTRA OTA OTAR OTHER OTHERSASNEEDED OTP OTR OTRA OTRABL OTRAO OTRAZ OTRC OTRD OUALI OVIP OVP OXEC OXEM OZ PA PAARM PAC PACE PAGE PAGR PAHO PAIGH PAK PAL PALESTINIAN PAMQ PAN PANAM PAO PAR PARALYMPIC PARCA PAREL PARK PARLIAMENT PARM PARMS PARN PARP PARR PARTIES PARTM PARTY PAS PASS PATRICK WARREN MAHURIN PATTY PAUL PAUM PB PBGT PBIO PBK PBOV PBPTS PBS PBST PBT PBTS PCI PCON PCOR PCRM PCUL PD PDA PDD PDEM PDIP PDOV PDRG PE PEACE PEACEKEEPINGFORCES PEDRO PEL PELOSI PEMEX PENA PENV PEPFAR PEPR PER PEREZ PERL PERM PERSONS PET PETER PETERS PETR PETRAEUS PETROL PF PFIN PFLP PFOR PFOV PG PGGOC PGIC PGIV PGKV PGO PGOC PGOF PGOG PGON PGOR PGOT PGOV PGOVE PGOVQL PGPV PGREL PGREV PGV PH PHALANAGE PHARM PHAS PHEM PHIM PHM PHSA PHU PHUH PHUM PHUMHUPPS PHUN PHUS PHYTRP PI PIA PICES PIF PIN PINB PIND PINER PINF PING PINL PINO PINOCHET PINR PINS PINT PINV PIR PIRF PIRN PJUS PK PKAO PKBL PKFK PKISL PKK PKMN PKNP PKO PKPA PKPAL PKPO PKPRP PKST PL PLAB PLAN PLEC PLN PLO PLUM PM PMAR PMAT PMDL PMIG PMIL PMIN PMR PMUC PN PNAT PNET PNG PNIR PNNL PNR PNRG PNS PNUC PNUK PNUM PO PODC POG POGV POINS POL POLG POLI POLICY POLINT POLITICAL POLITICS POLM POLMIL POLS POLUN POREL PORG POSTS POTUS POUS POV POWELL PP PPA PPAO PPD PPEF PPEL PPKO PPOL PQL PQM PRC PRE PREC PRED PREF PREG PREJ PREK PREL PRELEVU PRELM PRELPLS PRELTBIOBA PREM PREO PREP PRER PRES PRESIDENT PRESL PREV PREZ PRF PRFE PRFL PRGO PRGOV PRIL PRIVATIZATION PRL PRLE PRM PRO PROB PROCESS PROG PROL PROLIFERATION PROP PROPERTY PROTECTION PROTESTS PROV PROVE PRT PRTER PRWL PS PSA PSCE PSEC PSEPC PSHA PSI PSNR PSO PSOC PSOCI PSOE PT PTBS PTE PTEL PTEP PTER PTGOV PTIA PTR PTRD PU PUAS PUBLIC PUNE PUNR PUOS PV PVIP PVOV PVPR PVTS PWBG PWMN PY QA QADRI QEL QI QIZ QM QT QU QUAN QUOC RA RAED RAFAEL RAID RAMON RAMONTEIJELO RAS RATIFICATION RAY GUEVARA MILTON RBI RCA RCMP RE REA REACTION REALTIONS RECIN REF REFORM REFPAN REFUGEE REFUGEES REGION REGIONAL REID REIN REINEMEYER REL RELAM RELATIONS RELFREE RELIGIOUS REMON RENAMO RENE PREVAL REO REPORT REUBEN RF RFE RFIN RFREEDOM RGOV RGY RHUM RI RICE RICHARD RIGHTS RIGHTSPOLMIL RIMC RIVERA RL RLA RM RMA RO ROBERT ROBERT JOSEPH RODHAM RODRIGUEZ ROK ROME ROOD ROSS ROW ROY RP RPEL RPTS RQ RR RRB RREL RS RSO RSOX RSP RSZ RTT RU RUEHZO RV RW RWANDA SA SAAD SAARC SABAH SACU SADC SAFE SAIR SAIS SALOPEK SAMA SAN SANC SANR SAO SARB SARGSIAN SARS SASC SASEC SASIAIN SB SBA SC SCA SCCC SCE SCENESETTER SCHUL SCI SCIENCE SCNV SCOI SCOL SCOM SCPR SCRM SCRS SCRSERD SCUL SCVL SD SE SEC SECDEF SECI SECRET SECRETARY SECSTATE SECTOR SECURITY SEMAAN GABY EID SEN SENC SENG SENS SENU SENV SENVQGR SENVSPL SENVSXE SEP SERBIA SERZH SETTLEMENTS SEVN SEXP SF SFNV SG SGNV SGWI SH SHANNON SHI SHUM SI SILVASANDE SIMS SIPDI SIPDIS SIPR SIPRNET SIPRS SIUK SK SKCA SKEP SKI SKSAF SL SLM SLOVAK SM SMAR SMI SMIG SMIL SMIT SMITH SMRT SN SNA SNAP SNAR SNUC SO SOC SOCI SOCIA SOCIETY SOCIO SOCIS SOCISZX SOCR SOCY SOE SOFA SOI SOIC SOLI SOLIC SOM SOMALIA SOPN SORT SOSI SOVIET SOWGC SP SPAS SPC SPCE SPCVIS SPECI SPECIALIST SPILL SPP SPSTATE SR SREF SRIT SRS SRYI SSA SSH ST STAG START STATE STC STEINBERG STEPHEN HADLEY STET STP STR STUDENT SU SUCCESSION SUFFRAGE SULLIVAN SUMMIT SUR SUSAN SV SW SWHO SWMN SX SXG SY SYAI SYMBOL SYR SYRIA SYSI SYTH SZ TA TAGS TALAL TAUSCHER TAX TB TBI TBID TBIO TBIOZK TBKIO TBO TC TCOR TCSENV TD TDA TE TECH TECHNOLOGY TER TERAA TERFIN TERR TERROR TERRORISM TF TFIN TG TGRY TH THANH THE THERESE THIRDTERM THKSJA THOMAS THOMAS THOMMA THPY TI TIA TIBO TIFA TINT TIO TIP TITI TIUZ TJ TK TL TM TN TNDG TNGD TO TOPEC TORRIJOS TOURISM TP TPHY TPKO TPP TPSA TPSL TR TRAD TRADE TRAFFICKING TRBIO TRBY TRD TREAS TREASURY TREATY TREL TRG TRGV TRGY TRIO TRSY TRT TRV TRY TRYG TRYS TS TSA TSLP TSPA TSPL TSRL TSRY TSY TT TTFN TU TURKEY TV TVBIO TW TWRO TX TY TZ TZBY UA UAE UAID UAM UB UDEM UE UEU UG UGA UK UKR UKRAINE UM UMIK UN UNA UNAF UNAIDS UNAMA UNAMSIL UNAORC UNAUS UNBRO UNC UNCC UNCDF UNCDN UNCHC UNCHR UNCHS UNCITRAL UNCND UNCOPUOS UNCRED UNCRIME UNCSD UNCSW UNCTAD UNDC UNDEF UNDOF UNDP UNECE UNEF UNEP UNESCO UNFA UNFC UNFCYP UNFF UNFICYP UNFIYCP UNFPA UNGA UNGAPL UNGO UNHCR UNHRC UNICEF UNIDCP UNIDO UNIDROIT UNIFEM UNIFIL UNION UNKIK UNM UNMEE UNMIC UNMIK UNMIKI UNMIKV UNMIL UNMIN UNMOVIC UNO UNODC UNOMIG UNOPS UNP UNPAR UNPUOS UNRCCA UNRCR UNREST UNRWA UNSC UNSCAPU UNSCD UNSCE UNSCER UNSCR UNSCS UNSD UNSE UNTAC UNTERR UNTZ UNUS UNVIE UNYI UP UPU UPUO UR US USAID USAU USCC USCG USDA USDELFESTTWO USEU USG USGS USMS USNC USOAS USOP USPS USPTO USSC USTA USTDA USTR USTRD USTRIT USTRPS USTRUWR USUN UUNR UV UX UY UZ VA VANESSA VANG VAT VC VE VELS VEN VENZ VETTING VI VINICIO VIP VIS VISAS VISIT VM VN VO VOA VT VTEG VTFR VTIS VTPREL VTTBIO VTWCAR VXY VY VZ WA WAEMU WAKI WAR WARD WB WBEG WBG WCAR WCI WCL WCO WE WEBG WEBZ WEET WEF WEOG WET WEU WFA WFP WFPAORC WFPO WGC WGG WHA WHITMER WHO WHTI WI WILCOX WILLIAM WIPO WIR WITH WJRO WM WMD WMDT WMN WMO WOMEN WPO WRTO WS WSIS WTO WTRD WTRO WTRQ WW WWARD WWBG WWT WZ XA XAAF XB XC XD XE XF XFNEA XG XH XI XJ XK XL XLUM XM XO XP XQ XR XS XT XTAG XU XV XW XX XXX XY XZ YE YEH YI YL YM YMCS YS YU YURIY ZA ZANU ZB ZC ZCTU ZEALAND ZF ZFR ZH ZI ZIM ZJ ZK ZKGM ZL ZM ZN ZO ZOELLICK ZP ZR ZS ZT ZU ZW ZXA
Get the how-to to understand how to read a cable
Pages 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
1'000 rows / 49'032 results
Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
08CAIRO574 | EGYPT NUCLEAR POWER UPDATE: CONSULTANT [...] (C) Bids for an international consultant to advise Egypt's civilian nuclear power program are due on May 15, and the GOE expects its draft nuclear legislation, which is currently under review by the IAEA, to reach the floor of parliament in March or April. The MFA told us that Egypt will not f [...] | 2008-03-24 13:23:00 | Embassy Cairo | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG KNNP ECON PREL EG |
08CAIRO587 | MUBARAK ORDERS MILITARY TO ASSIST IN RESOLVING "BREAD [...] (U) Summary: In apparent reaction to what the media is characterizing as a "bread crisis" - shortages of subsidized bread and rising prices for unsubsidized bread -President Mubarak has ordered the military to assist civilian agencies in ensuring availability of subsidized bread. According t [...] | 2008-03-26 07:53:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EAID EG |
08CAIRO621 | EGYPTIANS GLOOMY AND RESTIVE BECAUSE OF ECONOMIC [...] (C) SUMMARY: Rising food prices, long bread lines, working-class economic woes and a daily dose of bad news are contributing to a sense among Egyptians that their country is in trouble. Whether they blame their government, the United States or even at times themselves, Egyptians are unhappy [...] | 2008-03-31 08:37:00 | Embassy Cairo | CONFIDENTIAL | PINR ECON KDEM MARR PGOV PHUM PREL EG |
08CAIRO697 | DAY OF PROTESTS LARGELY QUIET, BUT VIOLENT CLASH [...] No summary [...] | 2008-04-07 14:46:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PGOV PHUM ECON EG |
08CAIRO714 | RISING CONSTRUCTION COSTS PROMPT GOE ACTION [...] (U) In late March the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) announced a six-month ban on cement exports, beginning April 1. The ban is the latest in a series of steps by MOTI to control rising construction prices. Industry analysts predict the ban will not bring cement prices down, as demand [...] | 2008-04-08 16:15:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAID EINV EG |
08CAIRO715 | SECOND NIGHT OF VIOLENT CLASHES IN NILE DELTA TOWN [...] (SBU) Violent clashes between police and protestors reignited April 7 on the streets of the Nile Delta textile mill town of Mehalla el Kubra. The flashpoint of the protests centered on the Mehalla police station, where protesters gathered to demand the release of those detained the previous d [...] | 2008-04-08 17:57:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PGOV PHUM ECON EG |
08CAIRO724 | NILE DELTA TOWN LARGELY CALM APRIL 8-9; PM [...] (SBU) Even after the parade of Egyptian cabinet ministers and attendant security had long returned to Cairo, the streets of Mehalla el Kubra remained relatively calm the evening of April 8 and early April 9. Earlier on April 8, Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif joined the three ministers of Manpower [...] | 2008-04-09 12:40:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PGOV PHUM ECON EG |
08CAIRO779 | INFLATION REACHES 14.4% IN MARCH [...] (U) Egypt's inflation rate continued to climb in March, reaching 14.4% year-on-year (yoy) in March, a three-year high, up from 12.1% in February (ref A). Food inflation led the way, rising 20.5% yoy in March, up from 16.8% in February. Bread and grain prices increased 48.1% yoy and food oil [...] | 2008-04-15 16:45:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAID EFIN EINV EG |
08CAIRO784 | BIRD FLU KILLS SECOND EGYPTIAN THIS MONTH [...] (SBU/NF) Summary: On April 11, the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) confirmed its sixth Human avian influenza (AI) case this year, the 49th overall, and the second in less than a week: a 30-year old woman from Al-Matarya in the Cairo Governorate. The woman's death, which made her the 2 [...] | 2008-04-16 12:00:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | TBIO KSCA KFLU ECON EAGR PGOV EG |
08CAIRO786 | EGYPT BALANCING EMPLOYMENT, ILLEGAL MIGRATION WITH WORKERS [...] (U) This is a joint US Embassy Cairo-US Embassy Tripoli message. 2. (SBU) Summary: Egyptians have long sought economic betterment by working - usually illegally - in Libya. Although constantly changing Libyan labor restrictions resulted in the return of some Egyptian workers to Egypt in [...] | 2008-04-16 14:16:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREF PREL PHUM ECON EG LY |
08CAIRO844 | GRIM BIRD FLU MILESTONE: EGYPT'S 50TH CASE [...] (SBU) On April 16, the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) confirmed its seventh human avian influenza (AI) case this year: a 2-year-old boy from the Sharqia Governorate north of Cairo. This marks Egypt's 50th confirmed AI case overall, and the third in the month of April. The [...] | 2008-04-23 15:56:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KFLU TBIO ECON PGOV EG |
08CAIRO87 | EGYPT: PARLIAMENT APPROVES HARMONIZATION OF [...] Egypt's upper parliamentary chamber, the Shura Council, has ratified the government's decision to join the "International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures" (Kyoto Convention) to reduce barriers to Egypt's international trade. Under the convention, Egyp [...] | 2008-01-21 09:00:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD EG |
08CAIRO90 | CENTRAL AUDITING AGENCY CRITICIZES GOE BUDGET MANAGEMENT [...] (U) Parliament witnessed heated debates on January 10 over the Central Auditing Agency's (CAA) report on the FY 2005-06 and 2006-07 budgets. Gawdat El Malt, head of the CAA, lauded the Nazif government's success in spurring economic growth and attracting investment, but noted the oft-repeated [...] | 2008-01-21 13:30:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EG |
08CAIRO920 | NAZIF DISCUSSES D&G FUNDING, REFORM IN EGYPT [...] (C) Summary: Ambassador made an introductor call on Prime Minister Nazif on April 29, accompanied by econ counselor (notetaker). The two discussed the need to continue an economic dialogue, as well as continued US support for democracy in Egypt, Egyptian political reform, US funding for ci [...] | 2008-05-05 09:29:00 | Embassy Cairo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM ECON ETRD KIPR KDEM EG |
08CAIRO930 | MAY 4 STRIKE FIZZLES [...] (SBU) Summary: The general strike called for May 4 to protest rocketing inflation and low wages was largely a non-event. Activists from Kefaya ("The Egyptian Movement for Change") and virtual oppositionists using the social networking site Facebook called for the strike (scheduled purposefully [...] | 2008-05-05 14:15:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PGOV PREL KDEM ECON EG |
08CAIRO931 | MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION RENEWS [...] (U) This is an action message. See paragraph 16 for action requested. 2. (C) SUMMARY; The Ambassador paid an introductory call on Minister for International Cooperation Fayza Abulnaga on May 4, accompanied by USAID Mission Director and Econ Counselor (notetaker). During the meeting t [...] | 2008-05-05 14:52:00 | Embassy Cairo | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON PREL PGOV ENRG KDEM EG |
08CAIRO932 | RESPONSE: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES - EGYPT [...] (SBU) Rising global food prices are hitting Egypt's poor hard and are the major contributor to stubbornly high inflation (14.4% y-o-y in March). Past episodes of rising food prices (e.g., 2003-05) pushed Egypt's poverty rate up, and some fear this is happening again now. Almost every interna [...] | 2008-05-05 15:16:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAGR EAID EFIN EINV ELAB PGOV EG |
08CAIRO938 | PM NAZIF, CODEL TIERNEY DISCUSS [...] (SBU) Summary: Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif met March 24 with Representatives John Tierney (D-MA),James Moran (D-VA),Maurice Hinchey (D-NY),Betty McCollum (D-MN),Keith Ellison (D-MN),Barbara Cubin (R-WY) and then-Ambassador Ricciardone. PM Nazif praised President Bush's efforts to achieve [...] | 2008-05-06 12:12:00 | Embassy Cairo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV ECON IS EG |
08CAIRO959 | GOE RAISES FUEL PRICES TO OFFSET SALARY INCREASE [...] (SBU) Parliament passed a series of revenue generating measures to offset the cost to the budget of the 30% wage increase announced by President Mubarak on April 30 (reftel). The measures include fuel and cigarette price increases, higher automobile registration fees, and imposition of some n [...] | 2008-05-11 09:06:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EPET PGOV EG |
08CAIRO996 | CENTRAL BANK OF EGYPT WARNS FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS [...] (C) Per reftel, Post delivered non-paper to relevant Egyptian authorities regarding UN Security Council Resolution 1803 regarding Iran, the FATF advisory on Iran, and we urged Egyptian authorities to warn their financial institutions to step up vigilance on all activities with any bank domicile [...] | 2008-05-15 12:54:00 | Embassy Cairo | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EG ETRD IR PGOV EINV |
08CANBERRA1003 | WESTERN AUSTRALIA ECONOMY - MORE THAN ROCKS AND [...] (SBU) Summary: Canberra-based econoff visited Perth, Western Australia (WA) September 18-19 for meetings with local government and business figures. On this trip, econoff hoped to meet with people to discuss topics OTHER than Western Australia's booming resources sector, which includes nicke [...] | 2008-10-01 07:12:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD ENRG AS |
08CANBERRA1010 | AUSTRALIAN CENTRAL BANK SLASHES OFFICIAL BANK RATE [...] (U) Summary: Australia slashed its official cash rate by 100 basis points on Tuesday, based on fears that the economy will slow down and on concerns about international financial markets. Initial reactions have been positive, with Australia share prices rising on Tuesday. End summary. 2. [...] | 2008-10-07 06:03:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON AS |
08CANBERRA1020 | TOUGH WEEK FOR AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY [...] (U) Summary: This was a bad week for Australia's economy, primarily because of the effects of the global financial crisis. Stocks down 16%. Australian dollar down over 10%. Commodities softening, confidence down, unemployment up. Rudd is making reassuring statements and announced a new b [...] | 2008-10-10 05:38:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN AS |
08CANBERRA1054 | PUBLIC SUPPORTS RUDD BUT PUNISHES LABOR IN STATE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: According to a new A.C. Nielsen poll, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's approval rating has increased by 10 points to 71 percent, the highest rating he has ever recorded. Seventy-six percent of those surveyed supported Rudd's handling of the economic crisis and his economic package, [...] | 2008-10-20 06:18:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON AS |
08CANBERRA1074 | FORMER HOWARD ADVISOR ON RUDD'S STIMULUS PACKAGE [...] (C/NF) SUMMARY: A former adviser to John Howard says the Rudd Government likely made a purely political decision rather than a carefully thought out economic one when it decided on the size of the A$10.4 billion stimulus plan (reftel). New Liberal Party MP Jamie Briggs, who won the seat of [...] | 2008-10-24 07:06:00 | Embassy Canberra | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV ECON AS |
08CANBERRA1079 | AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR TAKES A DIVE [...] (SBU) Buffeted by falling commodity prices, fear of global economic recession, and dropping domestic interest rates, the Australian dollar has lost 37% of its value against the U.S. dollar, falling faster since July than even the Icelandic krona. The Aussie dollar has lost 27% of its trade-wei [...] | 2008-10-27 06:04:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON ETRD AS |
08CANBERRA1086 | AUSTRALIAN WHALING OPTIONS DWINDLING [...] (C/NF) Summary: Australian Whaling Envoy Sandy Hollway is returning to Japan NLT October 30, despite Japanese signals that no deal is possible this year. Hollway hopes to secure some agreement from Japan to reduce the number of whales taken in the upcoming Japanese scientific whaling season [...] | 2008-10-28 06:22:00 | Embassy Canberra | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EFIS SENV ECON AS |
08CANBERRA1097 | G-20 LEADERS SUMMIT: LATEST AUSTRALIAN VIEWS FROM [...] (C/NF) Australian thinking about the goals for the upcoming G-20 leaders summit has evolved, according to newly-appointed Prime Minister's Special Envoy for the International Economy Mike Callaghan. Callaghan was about to leave later in the day for China, the UK and the United States. Sharin [...] | 2008-10-30 06:33:00 | Embassy Canberra | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EFIN ECON PREL AS |
08CANBERRA1098 | G-20 SUMMIT: BACKGROUND ON AUSTRALIA [...] (SBU) The following is keyed to State 114420. AUSTRALIAN G-20 SUMMIT KEY OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITIES --------------------------------------------- ------- 2. (C/NF) Australia has three key objectives: -- To ensure that any reforms to global financial mechanisms do not threaten the effect [...] | 2008-10-30 23:36:00 | Embassy Canberra | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ECON EFIN AS |
08CANBERRA1114 | AUSTRALIAN CENTRAL BANK SLASHES INTEREST RATES - [...] (U) Summary. On November 4 the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) slashed the official cash rate by 75 basis points, to 5.25%. Again, the cut was greater than expected, showing the RBA has placed protecting growth ahead of restraining inflation. This comes in the wake of a whole series of unif [...] | 2008-11-04 04:36:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON AS |
08CANBERRA1121 | AUSTRALIAN MID-YEAR ECONOMIC UPDATE - GROWTH, SURPLUSES [...] (SBU) Summary. On November 5, Treasurer Wayne Swan released the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) 2008-09, the annual update to the Australian Government's budget for the 2008-2009 fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. The update lowered the estimated growth rate from 2.75 [...] | 2008-11-06 06:02:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN AS |
08CANBERRA1134 | NEW AUSTRALIAN CAR PLAN ANNOUNCED [...] (U) Summary. On November 10, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Industry Minister Kim Carr released the GOA's response to the Bracks Review of the car industry. The 'New Car Plan for a Greener Future' aims to make the car industry more responsive to changing consumer demand, environmental policy an [...] | 2008-11-12 04:05:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ECON ETRD AS |
08CANBERRA1137 | AUSTRALIAN AID TO PAKISTAN'S TRIBAL BELT [...] (C/REL AUS) Lisa Rice Madan, Assistant Secretary, Southwest Asia Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT),confirmed Australia's continued support for health and education programs in Pakistan's border regions ref B. In addition, Australia started an AUD $250K (USD $175K) coun [...] | 2008-11-12 05:30:00 | Embassy Canberra | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PTER ECON EAID AS |
08CANBERRA1191 | AUSTRALIA DELEGATION TO DOHA CONFERENCE ON FFD [...] (SBU) Econoff delivered reftel points to Treasury, AusAID, and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Vanessa Hegarty of AusAID noted they were working with State on a joint "statement by international development assistance donors on the impact of the current financial crisis on donor comm [...] | 2008-11-26 04:24:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAID UNGA AS |
08CANBERRA1194 | AUSTRALIA RESPONSE ON GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR AGRICULTURE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Post Economic and Agriculture officers met with officials from Australian Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF),Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT),and AusAID to discuss the Global Partnership on Agriculture and Food (GPAF). The GOA expressed s [...] | 2008-11-26 06:15:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ECON ETRD AS |
08CANBERRA1196 | RUDD GOVERNMENT - ONE YEAR REPORT [...] (C/NF) The Rudd government has generally been competent and centrist during its first 12 months, notwithstanding some significant foreign policy blunders, and criticism over Rudd's media-focused management style. The Government is unified, has avoided scandal, kept its major election promises [...] | 2008-11-28 01:11:00 | Embassy Canberra | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PINR PGOV ECON AS |
08CANBERRA1197 | FILM/TV INDUSTRY FILES COPYRIGHT CASE AGAINST [...] (C) Summary: On November 20 several media companies filed legal action against Australia's #3 internet service provider (ISP) iiNet, seeking a ruling that iiNet has infringed copyright by not taking reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized use of films and TV programs by its customers. This i [...] | 2008-11-30 23:13:00 | Embassy Canberra | CONFIDENTIAL | KIPR ECPS ECON ETRD AS |
08CANBERRA1199 | AUSTRALIA RESPONSE ON GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR AGRICULTURE [...] (SBU) The following is the written response to ref A demarche on behalf of the GOA, provided to Embassy by AusAID following our November 26 meeting (ref B). Begin text of GOA response: "1. The Australian Government is generally supportive of improved coordination and increased transparenc [...] | 2008-12-01 04:30:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ECON ETRD AS |
08CANBERRA1205 | AUSTRALIA SEEKS MORE INFO ON PAKISTAN CONFERENCE [...] (SBU) Summary. Econoff met with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and AusAID officials December 2 to discuss reftel potential Pakistan donors conference. The GOA officials were unable to make any commitments, but are clearly interested. However, they need more details before they [...] | 2008-12-02 05:13:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON EFIN IBRD IMF AS PK |
08CANBERRA1207 | AUSTRALIA SHARES CONCERNS ON PROTECTIONISM [...] (C) GOA shares US concerns about protectionism in some G20 members. Australia has already made approaches in several G20 capitals, and is ready to cooperate closely with US. DFAT said the UK should be added to the list of countries taking protectionist steps because of how it has raised i [...] | 2008-12-02 07:05:00 | Embassy Canberra | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN ETRD PREL ECON WTRO AS |
08CANBERRA1208 | AUSSIE RESERVE BANK AGAIN SLASHES INTEREST RATES [...] (U) Summary. On December 2, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced a 100 basis points reduction in the cash rate to a record low of 4.25 per cent. RBA continues to prioritize demand ahead of inflation. End summary. RBA SLASHES RATES AGAIN 2. (U) The RBA today slashed the officia [...] | 2008-12-02 20:46:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON AS |
08CANBERRA1215 | AUSTRALIA BARELY AVOIDS NEGATIVE GROWTH [...] (SBU) Summary. Australia's economy grew by less than 0.1% in the September quarter; excluding farms, the economy contracted 0.3%. Despite the fiscal stimulus package and aggressive interest rate cuts, contraction in the current quarter and recession in 2009 seem likely. End summary. LATES [...] | 2008-12-03 23:46:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN AS |
08CANBERRA1252 | Pressure on Australia's Current Account Deficit? [...] (SBU) Summary. Australia's current account deficit (CAD) fell sharply to its lowest level in six years from almost A$20 billion in the March quarter (7 per cent of GDP) to A$9.8 billion in the June quarter (3.2 per cent of GDP) due to a boost to export prices (especially coal and iron ore) and [...] | 2008-12-10 06:02:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ETRD ECON AS |
08CANBERRA1266 | AUSTRALIA TACKLES EXECUTIVE PAY - DON'T EXPECT TOO [...] (SBU) Summary. Prime Minister Rudd has been outspoken on the need for reform of executive pay to better balance compensation with risk management. Australian regulators are working on high-level general principles on executive pay with an eye on what emerges as the international consensus. T [...] | 2008-12-12 04:16:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON AS |
08CANBERRA1270 | AUSTRALIA UNDECIDED ON PAKISTAN CONFERENCE [...] (SBU) GOA remains uncertain whether it will be able to attend a Pakistan donors conference at the Foreign Minister level, and on what sort of commitment it could make. DFAT Pakistan Director Lisa Rice-Madan reiterated that the uncertainty about the details of the conference (now including its [...] | 2008-12-12 05:56:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON EFIN IBRD IMF PK |
08CANBERRA1277 | TELSTRA OUT OF BROADBAND BIDDING [...] (SBU) Summary. The GOA confirmed December 15 that Telstra has been excluded from the National Broadband Network bidding process because its bid failed to conform to bid guidelines on SMEs. Telstra's chairman criticized the decision over a "trivial" point. Minister Conroy was caught in a diff [...] | 2008-12-15 07:06:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON AS |
08CANBERRA1278 | CLIMATE CHANGE: PM TARGETS 5% EMISSIONS CUT BY 2020 [...] (SBU) Prime Minister Rudd released the Government's White Paper on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) on December 15, which commits Australia to reducing emissions by 5% from 2000 levels (4% from 1990 levels) by 2020. The plan holds out the option of increasing the target to 15% of [...] | 2008-12-15 20:53:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SENV KGHG ECON AS |
08CANBERRA1279 | CLIMATE CHANGE: PM TARGETS 5% EMISSIONS CUT BY 2020 [...] (SBU) Prime Minister Rudd released the Government's White Paper on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) on December 15, which commits Australia to reducing emissions by 5% from 2000 levels (4% from 1990 levels) by 2020. The plan holds out the option of increasing the target to 15% of [...] | 2008-12-15 20:53:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SENV KGHG ECON AS |
08CANBERRA1302 | AUSTRALIA ROLLS OUT FURTHER STIMULUS [...] (SBU) The Australian Government announced a $4.7 billion (USD 3.2 billion) nation building package, on 12 December 2008, with the aim of strengthening the economy and creating up to 32,000 jobs. The package provides new funds for rail investment, brings forward road spending, allocates funds [...] | 2008-12-19 06:31:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN AS |
08CANBERRA1316 | GOA SUPPORTS NEW GM/HOLDEN SMALL CAR [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On 22 December, Prime Minister Rudd announced an agreement with GM Holden and the South Australian Government to support production of a new, fuel-efficient, low-emission small car in Australia. The agreement provides A$179 million (US$122 million) over 3-4 years to Holden under [...] | 2008-12-23 23:50:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EIND ECON AS |
08CANBERRA220 | RUDD SHINES IN FIRST 100 DAYS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: In its first several months, the Rudd Government has made a smooth transition to Government, enjoying a continuing honeymoon with the media and the public. To mark 100 days in office, the Prime Minister issued a report card outlining the Rudd Government's achievements and imple [...] | 2008-03-04 05:45:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON AS |
08CANBERRA303 | ADVANCING AUSTRALIA'S GLOBAL INTERESTS [...] (U) SUMMARY: In his first foreign policy address as Prime Minister, and before leaving for the United States, Europe and China on March 27, Kevin Rudd said that the challenges Australia faces in areas like climate change, terrorism and the development of the Pacific Islands will require it to b [...] | 2008-03-27 06:53:00 | Embassy Canberra | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PGOV ECON ETRD SENV AS |
08CANBERRA310 | RUDD MOVES TO OVERHAUL FEDERAL-STATE RELATIONS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Since becoming Australian Labor Party (ALP) leader, Rudd has spoken repeatedly about "ending the blame game" between the federal and state governments. At the heart of the "blame game" is the funding imbalance between the federal and state governments. The federal government r [...] | 2008-03-28 06:01:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON AS |
08CANBERRA357 | AUSTRALIAN PARTICIPATION IN PARIS CONFERENCE ON [...] (SBU) Pol/Mil Officer met with Erika Thompson, Executive Officer for Afghanistan, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT),on April 8 to obtain information on Australia's participation in the Paris Conference on Afghanistan. Ms. Thompson confirmed that Australia will be represented at [...] | 2008-04-08 22:52:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON EFIN KDEM PGOV PREL AS |
08CANBERRA375 | RURAL INTERNET BROADBAND SCHEME NIXED [...] (SBU) Summary: The former Howard Government's rural broadband scheme was jettisoned by Communications Minister Conroy, who was critical of its technology and inadequate coverage. The main reason for the decision is simple: it duplicates in part the ALP national broadband initiative. End sum [...] | 2008-04-11 05:32:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON AS |
08CANBERRA392 | AUSTRALIA WANTS MORE INFO ON U.S. WTO REMAN [...] (SBU) Summary: Australia is not at the moment in a position to agree to cosponsor the US WTO remanufacturing initiative text, but does not rule it out. The Australians suggest a dialogue on this issue, preferably in Geneva. End summary. 2. (SBU) Deputy Econcouns met with Department of Fo [...] | 2008-04-16 06:59:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD WTRO ECON AS |
08CANBERRA400 | AUSTRALIA AGREES ZIMBABWE NOT APPROPRIATE AS [...] United Nations and Commonwealth Section, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed on April 18 that Australia had reached the same conclusions as the U.S. regarding the inappropriateness of Zimbabwe's chairmanship of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-16). They [...] | 2008-04-18 07:09:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV AORC PREL EAGR EAID ECON |
08CANBERRA456 | DESPITE INFLATION, INTEREST RATES UNCHANGED FOR NOW [...] (U) The Reserve Bank of Australia today did not raise the official cash rate; it remains at 7.25%. Despite higher than expected inflation (reftel),the RBA noted that the substantial tightening since mid-2007 and "difficult" conditions in international financial markets were acting to restrai [...] | 2008-05-06 06:05:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON AS |
08CANBERRA474 | UNIONS THREATEN RUDD'S INFLATION FIGHT [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: There are signs that labor unions in Australia are becoming impatient with the wall-to-wall Federal and state Australian Labor Party (ALP) governments. While the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and some of the larger unions have tried to work with the Rudd Government a [...] | 2008-05-12 00:30:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON ILAB AS |
08CANBERRA490 | RUDD DELIVERS FOR WORKING FAMILIES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Rudd Government's first budget has slowed the growth of government spending and hit "the rich" to combat inflation, while delivering its election promises and looking after Rudd's "working families." There is means testing of family benefits, tax cuts, spending on the ALP's [...] | 2008-05-14 07:20:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PGOV SENV AS |
08CANBERRA520 | RUDD TO BOOST SKILLED IMMIGRATION [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Rudd government plans to significantly boost Australia's migration program to address labor shortages in the Australian economy. The Skilled Migration Program will be expanded by 30 percent. The Government is also considering boosting unskilled migration, including a labor s [...] | 2008-05-20 07:25:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON PREF ELAB SMIG AS |
08CANBERRA53 | THE CHALLENGES OF GOVERNING BEGIN FOR PM RUDD [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The new Rudd Government will face several challenges during its first term, including rising inflation and interest rates, a Senate without an Australian Labor Party (ALP) majority, an assertive union movement and an ALP left-wing eager to undermine the cultural and social legacy [...] | 2008-01-18 06:11:00 | Embassy Canberra | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV ELAB ECON AS |
08CANBERRA531 | FOOD EXPORT RESTRICTIONS [...] (U) The GOA has taken no steps to restrict agricultural exports from Australia, nor does post expect any such moves in Australia, which exports on average two-thirds of its agricultural production. 2. (SBU) Bruce Bowan, Acting Director for International Affairs at the Department of Agricul [...] | 2008-05-22 06:48:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EAGR ECON TBIO AS |
08CANBERRA532 | RESPONSE: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES - [...] Summary: The rise of food and agricultural commodity prices has had very limited impact in Australia. A major agricultural exporter, Australia even stands to benefit. Rising food prices have caused no significant economic, political, or environmental problems in Australia. Post has no reco [...] | 2008-05-22 07:01:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PGOV PREL AS |
08CANBERRA538 | AUSTRALIAN RESPONSE ON GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY AND [...] (U) Post shared reftel demarche with Paul Morris, Executive Manager, Technical Market Access at Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. In response, Morris provided the following paper laying out the GOA,s views. 2. (SBU) DAFF Comments on US Food Cable The Austra [...] | 2008-05-23 04:59:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EAGR EAID ECON TBIO AS |
08CANBERRA545 | 2008 AUTOMATED MUTUAL-ASSISTANCE VESSEL RESCUE [...] Mission Australia would be pleased to present AMVER awards on behalf of the US Coast Guard to Australian recipients. We will decide on the best arrangements for presenting the award(s) based on where the recipient is located - likely through one of our Consulates-General in Melbourne, Perth, [...] | 2008-05-28 03:40:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED | EWWT ECON ETRD ELTN ATRN PREL AS |
08CANBERRA554 | AUSTRALIA AND CHILE CONCLUDE FTA [...] (U) Summary: Australia and Chile have concluded negotiations for an FTA. It is expected to be signed in July. This is the first FTA to be concluded by the Rudd Government; negotiations began under the previous Howard government. End summary. 2. (U) On May 27 Trade Minister Simon Crean [...] | 2008-05-29 07:34:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EINV ECON AS CI |
08CANBERRA623 | BABCOCK & BROWN'S SHAREPRICE MELTDOWN [...] (U) Summary: Australian investment bank Babcock & Brown (B&B) lost over half its share value in the week of June 9 over concerns it could not manage its debt load. B&B stock has been recovering this week. The Australian Securities Exchange has said there is no sign of market manipulation; r [...] | 2008-06-18 06:54:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON AS |
08CANBERRA687 | UPU CONGRESS DEMARCHE: AUSTRALIAN RESPONSE [...] (SBU) Summary. Econoff and Econ intern met with Richard Desmond, acting Assistant Secretary for Consumer Protection and Australia Post for the Department of Broadband, Communication, and Digital Economy (DBCDE) to review U.S. concerns for the UPU (Universal Postal Union) Congress in Geneva, S [...] | 2008-07-07 23:42:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC ECON ETRD WTRO AS |
08CANBERRA704 | DELAYS IN AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK [...] (SBU) Summary: Progress on the National Broadband Network (NBN) has been slower than expected. The original deadline (July 25) for bids will slip, primarily due to Telstra's delay in providing network information to the GOA for other bidders. We expect an announcement that this information h [...] | 2008-07-11 06:34:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON AS |
08CANBERRA757 | CLIMATE CHANGE: EMISSION TRADING PAPER REACTIONS [...] (SBU) Summary: The July 16 release of the Rudd government's Green Paper setting up the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) emissions trading system has laid out the banquet for an escalating round of maneuvering by industry, government and the Opposition. The details provided in the 532- [...] | 2008-07-25 07:33:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SENV ECON ENRG AS |
08CANBERRA792 | EXPERTS DISCUSS AUSTRALIA-CHINA ECONOMIC [...] (SBU) Summary: The consensus among several of the leading Australian economic thinkers in Canberra is that the commodities boom will begin to cool off, but that Chinese and other developing market economic growth will continue to prop up Australian export strength over the long run. Australi [...] | 2008-08-08 01:16:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD PREL AS |
08CANBERRA886 | AMBASSADOR MCCALLUM CALL ON INDUSTRY MINISTER CARR [...] (SBU) Summary: Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Kim Carr wants the Rudd government to set up a 10-year plan to address key innovation needs, which would include funding of A$1.5 billion per year to improve research training and infrastructure and changes to the tax treat [...] | 2008-09-08 07:49:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD ESTH EIND AS |
08CANBERRA946 | FOREIGN MINISTER SMITH TO ATTEND FRIENDS OF [...] No summary [...] | 2008-09-19 07:34:00 | Embassy Canberra | UNCLASSIFIED | AS ECON PGOV PK PREL |
08CAPETOWN235 | CAPE TOWN TO LAUNCH ITS CARNIVAL IN 2010 [...] (U) While some are asking the question will South Africa be ready to host the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup; the Best Mayor in the World is displaying a "bring 'em on" attitude. On a windy, chilly evening, Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille, leader of the newly re-launched Democratic Alliance, hosted a [...] | 2008-11-25 07:28:00 | Consulate Cape Town | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON SF |
08CAPETOWN251 | CAMPAIGN FINANCE: VIEW FROM THE WESTERN CAPE [...] (C) Summary: South African political parties are in full fundraising mode as next year's national election nears, and Western Cape campaign finance watchers and insiders see little change from past elections, at least for established parties. The ruling African National Congress (ANC),already [...] | 2008-12-22 13:25:00 | Consulate Cape Town | CONFIDENTIAL | SF PGOV PHUM ECON |
08CAPETOWN255 | A TRIP TO THE EASTERN CAPE: POSITIVE STEPS [...] Summary: The Eastern Cape has the dubious reputation of being the most poorly managed province in South Africa. Nevertheless, Cape Town Consul General and Econoff found a variety of organizations and individuals in business, civil society and the government who are developing or implementing [...] | 2008-12-23 08:00:00 | Consulate Cape Town | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON KHIV SOCI SA |
08CAPETOWN36 | SOUTH AFRICA'S 2008 BUDGET [...] (U) Summary. South Africa Minister of Finance Trevor Manuel delivered his annual Budget Speech before Parliament on February 20, 2008. According to Manuel, South Africa continues to have a positive fiscal outlook despite global economic turmoil. GDP growth was projected at 4 percent with [...] | 2008-02-21 14:27:00 | Consulate Cape Town | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EINV ETRD EMIN ENRG BEXP KTDB SF |
08CARACAS102 | AD-HOC BRV CONFISCATIONS FURTHER THREATEN FOOD [...] (C) Summary: During the period of January 21 - 23, the Venezuelan National Guard seized more than 500 tons of food produced by Polar, Venezuela's largest food processing company, claiming that the food was being smuggled illegally to Colombia or "hoarded." According to Polar representatives, [...] | 2008-01-25 19:53:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV EAGR VE |
08CARACAS1061 | CHAVEZ ANNOUNCES INTENTION TO NATIONALIZE BANCO DE [...] (SBU) President Chavez announced on July 31 his intention to nationalize Banco de Venezuela, one of Venezuela's four largest banks, currently owned by the Spanish Grupo Santander. According to press reports, Chavez suggested three reasons for this move: first, the government "could use a ba [...] | 2008-07-31 22:28:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS1078 | AMBASSADOR VISITS ANZOATEGUI AND NUEVA ESPARTA [...] (C) Summary. During a July 25 - 29 visit to Anzoategui and Nueva Esparta, the Ambassador met with local political leaders and media. Almost all interlocutors were in agreement that pro-opposition Nueva Esparta Governor Morel Rodriguez was a near lock to be re-elected in November's gubernato [...] | 2008-08-01 19:51:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EPET ECON SNAR KPAO VE NL TD |
08CARACAS108 | PDVSA WAKES UP TO ITS PRODUCTION PROBLEM [...] (C) SUMMARY: PDVSA's volume committee, which normally works on production planning, is aggressively pressuring joint venture partners and service companies to increase crude oil production. In order to facilitate production increases, the BRV is attempting to streamline administrative proced [...] | 2008-01-28 21:44:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS1081 | VENEZUELAN MARKET INTERFERENCE LEADS TO BOTH FOOD [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Although local headlines on July 31 reporting 60 tons of rotten chicken in a city dump proved to be exaggerated, the incident drew attention to continuing distortions in the Venezuelan food supply. While the dairy and poultry industries have successfully lobbied for a temporary [...] | 2008-08-01 21:34:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR PGOV VE ECON ETRD |
08CARACAS1090 | ENABLING LAW ENDS WITH A BANG OF UNKNOWN [...] (U) Under the broad powers of an enabling law ("Ley Habilitante") that expired July 31 (or August 1, depending on one's interpretation),President Chavez has decreed 26 new laws. The titles of these laws were published in the official Gazette dated July 31 and available August 1. The text o [...] | 2008-08-04 21:36:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1100 | UPDATE ON CONOCOPHILLIPS NEGOTIATIONS [...] (C) SUMMARY: After an August 4 meeting with members of the BRV negotiating team, ConocoPhillips (CP) is less optimistic about the outcome of the compensation negotiations for its expropriated assets in Venezuela. Senior BRV officials indicated that, after review of CP's proposed valuation of [...] | 2008-08-07 21:32:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS1103 | STATE OF BRV-ISRAEL RELATIONS C-NE8-00834 [...] (SBU) This cable is a response to State 064659 (C-NE8-00834) requesting details on Israeli relations with Venezuela. 2. (C) Summary. Relations between the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) and Israel are severely strained. Bilateral relations, cool for the last several months, show [...] | 2008-08-07 22:29:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON IS VE |
08CARACAS1111 | VENEZUELA FORMALLY REJECTS TSA AIRPORT SECURITY [...] (C) SUMMARY: Since late 2006, Post has attempted to obtain an official response to TSA's request for airport inspections in Venezuela. Following four diplomatic notes, a letter from the current Ambassador, and multiple meetings over the years, the response finally arrived on August 7. Post re [...] | 2008-08-08 20:18:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAIR ECON PGOV MARR VE ASEC |
08CARACAS1127 | CHAVEZ' ECONOMIC DECREES STRENGTHEN EXECUTIVE [...] (C) Summary: The laws decreed by President Chavez July 31 further consolidate executive control over the economy. In the specific area of food supply and the more general area of consumer protection, they give the Executive broad command and control powers and greater expropriation authoritie [...] | 2008-08-12 21:47:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EAGR ELAB PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1135 | BANCO DE VENEZUELA EXECUTIVE EXPECTS RAPID CLOSE [...] (C) Banco de Venezuela (BdV) Vicepresident and Chief Economist Milton Guzman (strictly protect throughout) shared with EconCouns on August 12 his expectation that the BRV's nationalization of BdV, announced by President Chavez July 31 (ref A),would be completed in three to six weeks. "The g [...] | 2008-08-13 20:27:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS1146 | VENEZUELAN ECONOMY FALTERING AS ELECTION SEASON [...] (C) Summary: Venezuela's economy appears increasingly fragile as campaigning begins to heat up for regional elections in November. The feeling of boom times has worn off in the face of increasing inflation, slower growth, tighter credit, and slowing consumption. The BRV has focused economi [...] | 2008-08-15 17:12:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1152 | VENEZUELA INCREASES REGULATED FOOD PRICES TO [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On August 11, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) freed prices for a number of price-controlled food products and raised maximum prices for several others. Press reports indicate the BRV has increased regulated food prices over thirty times since October 2007. Although t [...] | 2008-08-15 20:04:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR PGOV VE ECON ETRD |
08CARACAS1170 | VENEZUELA OFFERED CEMEX A LOWER PRICE THAN ITS [...] (C) On August 19 Venezuelan Vice President Carrizalez announced that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) had successfully negotiated the purchase of cement companies Lafarge and Holcim but had failed to reach an agreement with Mexico's Cemex. National Guard troops took possession of Ce [...] | 2008-08-19 22:15:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EINV ETRD EIND PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1177 | GM FACES CONTINUED LABOR PROBLEMS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Despite its intention to re-open its assembly plant on August 18, General Motors (GM) de Venezuela remains closed in the face of a plant takeover by radical workers who have refused to accede to either a court order ordering them to grant the company access or to pressure from th [...] | 2008-08-21 12:19:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EINV EIND ELAB PGOV VE |
08CARACAS118 | NOT MUCH SUBSTANCE AT THE VI ALBA SUMMIT [...] (U) SUMMARY: Venezuela hosted the VI Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of our Americas (ALBA) summit January 24-26, 2008 in Caracas. While little substantive occurred at the summit, it provided Hugo Chavez a platform to rail against capitalism and the United States. Three of the four [...] | 2008-01-30 18:44:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD ENRG EINV VE |
08CARACAS1197 | BRV SEEKS NULLIFICATION OF INTERNATIONAL [...] (SBU) Summary. Lawyers associated with the government filed a brief on June 12 before the Supreme Court seeking nullification of a key clause in Venezuela's Investment Law as well as a reinterpretation of the Constitution. Article 22 of Venezuela's Investment Law is currently interpreted to [...] | 2008-08-25 16:34:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EINV PREL PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1200 | VENEZUELAN CEMENT NATIONALIZATIONS DESIGNED TO [...] (C) SUMMARY: A senior executive from the Swiss cement company Holcim, nationalized by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) as of August 18, suggested that the BRV had rushed to nationalize the cement sector after months of relative inactivity out of a desire to claim ownership of a key [...] | 2008-08-26 16:33:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EINV ETRD EIND PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1209 | VENEZUELA'S HOUSING CRISIS - SOCIALISM THE ANSWER [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: An estimated 2 million unit housing shortage is complicating Chavez' chances for success in the November state and local elections. In an effort to improve one of the worst housing construction records of any recent administration, Chavez has nationalized companies providing c [...] | 2008-08-28 14:18:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ETRD EIND PGOV VE SOCI |
08CARACAS1228 | VENEZUELAN ELECTRICITY SECTOR IN CRISIS AFTER [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: A power blackout that affected half of the country on September 1 illustrates the fragility of Venezuela's electrical power sector. The consequences of the government's failure to invest in the sector are now clear from insufficient generation to dilapidated distributions infr [...] | 2008-09-02 22:01:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ETRD EIND PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1237 | VENEZUELA THREATENS TO ELIMINATE U.S. AIRLINES' [...] (C) SUMMARY: On August 28 the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed receipt of a Diplomatic Note reiterating the August 8 statement to the Venezuelan Charge in Washington that TSA would issue a Public Notice on September 8 if the Venezuelan Government continues in its refusal to all [...] | 2008-09-04 19:19:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAIR ECON PGOV MARR VE ASEC SNAR |
08CARACAS1245 | BRV ENACTS CREDIT CARD LAW [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Legislation approved by the National Assembly on September 4, (posited as necessary for public order and social interest) codifies existing regulations and promulgates new ones for the credit card industry in Venezuela. Among its most significant clauses, the law prohibits ba [...] | 2008-09-05 21:37:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1246 | VENEZUELA: CONOCOPHILLIPS NEGOTIATIONS STALL [...] (C) SUMMARY: ConocoPhillips Latin America President Roy Lyons met with EconCouns September 5 to report that, following a September 4 meeting with the Venezuelan Government (BRV) negotiating team, negotiations on compensation for its expropriated assets in Venezuela have broken down and no futu [...] | 2008-09-05 23:02:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS1266 | VENEZUELA ANNOUNCES CUTS TO U.S. AIR CARRIER [...] (C) SUMMARY: On September 10 Venezuela's civil aviation authority (INAC) informed the three U.S. carriers with operations in Venezuela that INAC would cut an undetermined number of their flights to and from the United States in retaliation for the September 8 Transportation Security Administra [...] | 2008-09-10 22:41:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAIR ECON PGOV MARR VE ASEC |
08CARACAS1276 | VENEZUELA: EMBASSY DISCUSSES TSA NOTICE WITH MFA [...] (C) SUMMARY: On September 11, Emboffs discussed the September 8 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Public Notice with representatives of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela's (BRV) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Emboffs urged that the BRV not proceed with threatened flight redu [...] | 2008-09-12 19:46:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAIR ECON PGOV MARR ASEC VE |
08CARACAS1293 | VENEZUELAN NATIONAL GUARD HARASSES DELTA FLIGHT [...] (C) SUMMARY: On September 14, Delta Airlines Corporate Security contacted the Embassy to report that Delta crew members going through security for their September 13 flight felt threatened by Venezuelan National Guard comments to the point that the captain ordered a second, precautionary secur [...] | 2008-09-17 13:16:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | VE CASC ASEC MARR PGOV ECON EAIR |
08CARACAS1304 | VENEZUELA'S PARALLEL EXCHANGE RATE RESUMES ITS RISE [...] (U) After remaining largely stable since March, Venezuela's parallel exchange rate has jumped by more than 40 percent over the past month, from 3.4 bolivars (Bs) to the dollar on August 14, to 4.8 Bs/USD as of September 15. The BRV has been regularly intervening in the parallel market since [...] | 2008-09-18 14:34:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS1320 | VENEZUELAN ASSOCIATION BELIEVES GOVERNMENT WILL [...] (C) SUMMARY: On September 18, the Executive Director of the Venezuelan Air Transport Chamber (Ceveta) William Bracho told Econoffs he does not believe the Venezuelan Civil Aviation Authority (INAC) will follow through on its threat to cut U.S. carrier flights as market demand is extremely high [...] | 2008-09-22 14:21:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | VE CASC ASEC MARR PGOV ECON EAIR |
08CARACAS1328 | INVESTIGATION INTO FINANCIAL FRAUD SHOWS BRV'S [...] (C) Summary: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) has opened an investigation into financial fraud associated with four bond issuances in late 2006 and 2007. This investigation included a public, high-profile raid of one of Venezuela's largest brokerage houses in July 2008 during whic [...] | 2008-09-22 19:40:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS1337 | ANNUAL INFLATION NEARS 35 PERCENT [...] (U) According to figures recently released by the Central Bank (BCV) and the National Statistics Institute, annual (August 08/August 07) inflation in metropolitan Caracas has reached 34.5 percent, the highest in Latin American and up from 32.2 percent through June (ref A). Some local economi [...] | 2008-09-23 18:39:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON VE |
08CARACAS1338 | BRV NOT IMMUNE TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL TURMOIL [...] (SBU) Summary: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuelan (BRV) has not escaped recent problems in the US financial sector unscathed. The government holds about USD 300 million and private banks an additional USD 400 million in structured debt notes issued by the bankrupt Lehman Brothers. The fi [...] | 2008-09-23 18:40:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS1341 | VENEZUELA: CHEVRON SIGNS LNG FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT [...] (C) Summary: Chevron will participate in the planned development of the first of three liquefied natural gas (LNG) trains planned by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV). The company will have a 10 percent share in the joint venture formed to develop the first train; the gas will come f [...] | 2008-09-23 21:27:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS136 | REVISED INDEX SHOWS CONTINUED HIGH INFLATION IN [...] (SBU) According to the newly revised official consumer price index (CPI),inflation rose to 3.4 percent in January 2008. This figure, which works out to 50 percent on an annual basis, is slightly higher than the 3.3 percent inflation figure from December 2007, and will put additional pressu [...] | 2008-02-01 20:57:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS1364 | VENEZUELA REFUSES USG REQUEST FOR AVIATION [...] (U) On September 16 the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Venezuelan Civil Aviation Authority (INAC) both acknowledged receipt of the Embassy's diplomatic note requesting consultations under the authority of the 1953 bilateral aviation agreement with Venezuela. That note cit [...] | 2008-09-26 22:55:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | VE CASC ASEC MARR PGOV ECON EAIR |
08CARACAS1365 | STRUCTURED NOTE DEADLINE PASSES, ISSUE FIZZLES [...] (SBU) Summary: On September 24 the deadline for Venezuelan banks to sell their holdings of bolivar-denominated structured notes passed with little apparent effect on the banking sector. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) showed an unusual amount of flexibility in its implementation o [...] | 2008-09-29 14:30:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS1382 | AS ELECTION APPROACHES, WHERE'S THE SPENDING? [...] (C) Summary: An anticipated jump in spending prior to the November 23 state and local elections by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) does not appear to have materialized. Local analysts primarily attribute this surprising failure to boost spending significantly to increasing incomp [...] | 2008-09-30 20:33:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV EFIN VE |
08CARACAS1388 | COMMUNAL ECONOMY CENTER [...] (SBU) Summary. EmbOffs visited a newly inaugurated communal economic center near Caracas. The center, extremely modern by Venezuelan standards, offers a space for communal cooperatives to sell local goods. However, many of the cooperatives did not sell locally produced goods or sold cheap [...] | 2008-10-01 15:10:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1390 | VENEZUELA: AMERICAN AIRLINES CREW DETAINED AT [...] (C) The evening of September 30, American Airlines Country Manager Omar Nottaro (strictly protect throughout) called Econoff to report that the captain and crew of American Airlines flight 903 were being held at the airport. He explained that upon landing a crew member said "Welcome to Venezuela. L [...] | 2008-10-01 16:25:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | CASC ASEC MARR PGOV ECON EAIR VE |
08CARACAS1393 | VENEZUELAN CEMENT PRODUCTION DROPPING FOLLOWING [...] (C) SUMMARY: Mexican Ambassador to Venezuela Mario Chacon informed Econoffs that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) has not budged from its initial, USD 500 million offer for Mexico's Cemex that, in effect, represents an expropriation of Cemex assets in Venezuela. Chacon believes the [...] | 2008-10-01 20:20:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EINV ETRD EIND PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1406 | WARNING: VENEZUELA'S NEW LABELING LAW HAZARDOUS TO [...] (C) SUMMARY: Venezuela's new food labeling law requires that original food product packaging be printed in Spanish, and prohibits the use of add-on Spanish-language stickers for imported goods. This requirement is contained in the set of 26 new decrees issued at the end of July, and came as [...] | 2008-10-03 13:02:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ETRD EAGR PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1427 | IPR CHANGES FOR PHARMACEUTICALS [...] (C) Summary. On September 12, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) agency responsible for intellectual property protection issued a press release resurrecting the Industrial Property Law of 1955, which expressly prohibits intellectual property rights for pharmaceuticals and other produc [...] | 2008-10-08 20:39:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN ETRD ECIN PREL PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1428 | FALLING OIL PRICES: CLEAR BUT NOT PRESENT DANGER [...] (C) Summary: Venezuela's economic model is dependent on ever-rising oil prices. As such, the economy is clearly vulnerable to reduced global demand for oil, an increasingly likely consequence of the current global financial crisis. With oil prices already down 25 percent from their historic [...] | 2008-10-08 21:18:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EPET VE |
08CARACAS1443 | VENEZUELA: LABOR UNREST CONTINUES AT COCA-COLA [...] (C) Summary. Coca-Cola has taken control of most of its installations this week following the 4th labor blockade of 2008. Despite a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the company, earlier this year, radical National Assembly members have continued to push the claims of ex-company contractors. [...] | 2008-10-10 20:20:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1444 | VENEZUELA: BRV SHUTS MACDONALD'S FOR TWO DAYS [...] (SBU) The 115 MacDonald's restaurants in Venezuela were closed for 48 hours on October 9 following an inspection by the tax authority, Seniat. According to a Seniat press release, Seniat fined as many as 16 of the MacDonald's restaurants 1,150 BsF ($535 at the official exchange rate) because [...] | 2008-10-10 22:14:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1453 | BRV DEVELOPS PUBLIC FINANCE TOOLS TO SQUEEZE [...] (C) Summary: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela's (BRV's) public finance system has undergone a series of important changes since 2005 that give the Executive the tools to limit significantly the resources available to state and municipal governments. These governments receive the vast ma [...] | 2008-10-16 19:18:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1455 | BRV SUBMITS 2009 BUDGET, FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH [...] (U) Press reports indicate that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) has submitted the 2009 budget to the National Assembly (AN),though it has not yet been formally presented by the Minister of Finance as is the custom. According to these reports, which cite AN deputy and president of [...] | 2008-10-16 20:28:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS1463 | TAX AUTHORITY RAMPS UP TAX ENFORCEMENT AND MONEY [...] (SBU) Summary. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, through its tax agency, has ramped up enforcement of Plan Zero Evasion (Evasion Cero) first announced in 2005. The Plan involves audits of company accounting procedures and violations include fines, closures and "voluntary payments" of ta [...] | 2008-10-17 20:51:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1477 | 2009 VENEZUELAN BUDGET: OPTIMISM FADES [...] (SBU) Summary. On October 21, Minister of Finance Ali Rodriguez formally presented the 2009 budget to the National Assembly. The budget continues to use unrealistic economic assumptions, such as a low inflation rate and overstatement of oil production and related revenue. Whereas the pres [...] | 2008-10-22 21:29:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV VE |
08CARACAS149 | AMBASSADOR VISITS BARQUISIMETO AND LARA STATE [...] (C) Ambassador and Mrs. Duddy visited Barquisimeto and Lara state January 30 - February 1. During the visit, the Ambassador met with local church and business leaders and civil society, all of whom agreed that support for Chavez was being affected by food shortages and a general lack of perso [...] | 2008-02-07 16:42:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1507 | VENEZUELA: CONSTITUTIONAL COURT UPHOLDS [...] (SBU) On October 17, the Venezuelan Supreme Court (Court) upheld the constitutional viability of international arbitration. The decision interpreted Article 258 of the Constitution, which states "The law shall promote arbitration, conciliation, mediation and any other means of alternative d [...] | 2008-10-30 20:48:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1513 | VENEZUELAN AIRLINES ADMIT THEIR OWN CONCERN WITH [...] (C) On October 28, Emboffs met with 13 members of the Venezuelan Air Transport Chamber (CEVETA),one of whom raised serious concerns with Venezuelan airport security and spoke out in favor of immediate TSA security assessments. The association, which represents Venezuelan passenger and cargo [...] | 2008-10-31 17:00:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | VE CVIS ASEC MARR PGOV ECON EAIR |
08CARACAS152 | CHAVEZ THREATENS TO EXPROPRIATE LARGE FOOD [...] (U) This message is Sensitive But Unclassified, Please Treat Accordingly. 2. (SBU) During a February 4 speech celebrating the 16th anniversary of his attempted 1992 coup (Septel),Chavez threatened to expropriate large food distributors and producers. Chavez said, "I have ordered Mr. Vice- [...] | 2008-02-07 20:42:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1522 | OPEN UP AND SAY AHHHH: VENEZUELA'S HEALTH CARE [...] (C) Summary. Conditions in public hospitals continue to deteriorate and private hospitals face a growing threat of nationalization. Despite multiple 2008 budgetary authorizations for increases in health care worker salaries, labor actions continue by health care workers. One public health [...] | 2008-11-03 18:28:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1525 | VENEZUELAN MILITARY INTELLIGENCE CONDUCTS RAID ON [...] (U) According to media reports, Directorate of Military Intelligence (DIM) officials raided offices of Stanford Bank in Caracas on Friday October 31. (Note: Stanford Bank, an affiliate of the Houston-based Stanford Financial Group, is one of two U.S. banks operating in Venezuela. It is a sm [...] | 2008-11-04 18:29:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN ASEC VE |
08CARACAS1545 | VENEZUELAN AIRLINE WITH KNOWN DRUG TRAFFICKING [...] (S) SUMMARY: Venezuelan airline Aeropostal, which halted its flights to the U.S. earlier this year, has filed an application with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to resume its U.S. routes. Given that the new owners of Aeropostal, the Makled family, are Venezuela's preeminent drug traff [...] | 2008-11-07 12:00:00 | Embassy Caracas | SECRET | VE ASEC MARR PGOV ECON EAIR SNAR PREL CVIS |
08CARACAS1546 | VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT IGNORES USG WARNING ON PORT [...] (C) Summary: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV) has not responded to two diplomatic notes and multiple Embassy requests for a meeting to discuss U.S. Coast Guard efforts dating back to 2006 to arrange port visits. Embassy maritime contacts believe that Venezuelan ports would not pas [...] | 2008-11-07 12:05:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | VE ASEC MARR PGOV ECON EAIR EWWT ETRD KHLS |
08CARACAS1554 | THE 64 BILLION DOLLAR QUESTION: HOW MUCH CASH [...] (C) Summary: President Chavez has argued that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) can endure a period of low oil prices by drawing down his government's savings. While no one disputes the BRV Government (GBRV) has accumulated financial assets during the oil bonanza, the value and liqu [...] | 2008-11-10 10:37:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1562 | GBRV ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF JOINT DEVELOPMENT BANK [...] (U) The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV) announced November 8 that Russia and Venezuela had agreed to create a binational bank and that Finance Minister Ali Rodriguez would travel to Russia the following week to finalize details. Rodriguez and an official from Russia [...] | 2008-11-10 16:54:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS1570 | VENEZUELA: GM, FORD AND CHRYSLER ONCE AGAIN HALT [...] (C) Summary: GM, Ford and Chrysler, the three U.S. car manufacturers in Venezuela, are once again shut down due to a labor action against a parts supplier. The industry faces on-going, severe labor problems, power outages averaging once every three days, and a dramatically reduced 2008 vehicl [...] | 2008-11-12 20:29:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV PREL ETRAD PTER VE |
08CARACAS1580 | VENEZUELA RESPONDS TO USG REQUEST FOR PORT VISITS [...] (SBU) Post has received a Diplomatic Note dated November 13 responding to the Embassy's October 6 Diplomatic Note, which stated that the GBRV must set a port visit date within 30 days of the Diplomatic Note's receipt, or the Coast Guard would impose "conditions of entry". An unofficial transl [...] | 2008-11-14 18:55:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ASEC MARR PGOV EAIR PREL ETRD KHLS PTER |
08CARACAS1583 | BNP PARIBAS REPRESENTATIVE SEES FEW PROSPECTS FOR [...] (C) BNP Paribas country representative in Venezuela Gregorio Toulemonde (strictly protect throughout) said he was "very worried" about the overall economic situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV). He predicted a difficult 2009, with the BRV government (GBRV) "desperately see [...] | 2008-11-14 20:36:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EPET VE |
08CARACAS1584 | VENEZUELA: INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL [...] No summary [...] | 2008-11-14 20:51:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS1590 | GBRV ARRESTS MAJOR DRUG TRAFFICKER/MAYORAL [...] (S/NOFORN) Summary. GBRV authorities arrested three members of the powerful Makled family, one of Venezuela's most notorious drug trafficking families, following a November 13 raid of Walid Makled's farm that reportedly netted 392 kilos of cocaine. With November 23 state and local elections [...] | 2008-11-17 21:54:00 | Embassy Caracas | SECRET//NOFORN | SNAR ECON EAIR PREL VE |
08CARACAS1607 | VENEZUELAN PORTS IN CHAOS, DRUG TRAFFICKERS IN [...] (C) Summary: Industry sources report that Venezuelan ports are in a "state of chaos" with long lines of ships waiting to dock, and numerous instances of ships diverted to other countries to unload cargo after failing to dock in Venezuela. Port authorities have reportedly advised shipping compa [...] | 2008-11-19 20:07:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ASEC MARR PGOV EAIR PREL ETRD KHLS PTER |
08CARACAS1620 | LEADING VENEZUELAN FOOD PROCESSING COMPANY [...] (C) SUMMARY: A well-placed source within Alfonso Rivas and Co., Venezuela's second leading food processing company, has informed AgAttache that official government stores will not purchase food products from this firm. According to their Government Relations officer, the reason is that a le [...] | 2008-11-24 12:38:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EAGR PGOV ETRD VE |
08CARACAS1627 | IOC SUB-COMMISSION FOR THE CARIBBEAN AND ADJACENT [...] (U) SUMMARY: The USDEL to the tenth session of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission's Sub-Commission for the Caribbean and adjacent regions (IOCARIBE, 22-26 October in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela) met its primary objectives: the US was reelected as Vice Chairman for IOCARIBE; NOAA's [...] | 2008-11-26 15:34:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON MARR PGOV EWWT AORC ICES KRVC SENV TPHY |
08CARACAS1628 | VENEZUELA: POINTS DELIVERED ON GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP [...] (U) Post delivered reftel points on the proposed Global Partnership for Agriculture and Food to the Ministries of Popular Power for Foreign Affairs, Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry and Commerce. Post will report a response if received, however, based on past experience, no reply is anti [...] | 2008-11-26 19:58:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON PGOV EAGR PREL ETRD VE |
08CARACAS1629 | VENEZUELA OFFERS MEETING ON PORT SECURITY VISIT [...] (SBU) Economic Counselor was contacted November 26 by Nelson Dominguez of Venezuela's National Institute of Aquatic Spaces (INEA). Dominguez identified himself as the head of INEA's maritime security unit and said he had been tasked by the President of INEA to meet with the Embassy to discuss [...] | 2008-11-26 20:38:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ASEC MARR PGOV PREL PTER VE |
08CARACAS1637 | VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT PROPOSES FEBRUARY 2009 COAST [...] (C) On December 1 Emboffs met with the President of the Institute of Aquatic Spaces (INEA) and representatives of the Ministries of Infrastructure and Foreign Affairs (MRE) to discuss the US Coast Guard's repeated requests for port inspections (ref A). The head of INEA Port Security, Nelson D [...] | 2008-12-02 18:39:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV EAIR PREL ETRD EWWT VE |
08CARACAS1638 | VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT VERSUS THE COMBO MEAL [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Venezuelan consumer protection law, passed July 2008, requires the government to approve all sales promotions with an eye to curtailing "excessive consumption" and punishing "capitalist impresarios" while also seeking to eliminate hoarding and speculation, particularly with fo [...] | 2008-12-02 20:16:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV PREL ETRD EAGR VE |
08CARACAS1661 | ALBA SUMMIT: THE USUAL RHETORIC AND A NEW PROPOSAL [...] (U) The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) hosted on November 26 the third extraordinary summit of heads of state and government of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) - trade pact for the peoples. In attendance were the following representatives of ALBA coun [...] | 2008-12-03 20:12:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PREL VE |
08CARACAS1669 | VENEZUELA: TAX AUTHORITY SURPASSES 2008 REVENUE [...] (U) Summary. The tax authority of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) announced December 2 it had already reached its tax revenue goal for budget year 2008. Tax officials predict record tax revenues for budget year 2009 and continue to find creative methods to increase compliance with [...] | 2008-12-05 18:42:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV VE |
08CARACAS168 | EXXONMOBIL MOVES TO FREEZE PDVSA'S WORLDWIDE ASSETS [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Venezuelan press reported on February 6-7 the attachment of a bank account in New York and an English court's freezing of USD 12 billion in PDVSA assets worldwide. Initial press reports in Venezuela were exaggerated in both tone and content. ExxonMobil (XM) filed a request fo [...] | 2008-02-11 20:31:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS1690 | NATIONALIZATIONS WITHOUT COMPENSATION AS GBRV [...] (C) Summary: In 2008 the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV) has announced but not finalized a growing number of nationalizations. To the best of our knowledge, deals or payments are still pending for three multinational cement companies (Cemex, Holcim, and LaFarge),s [...] | 2008-12-09 21:07:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EIND VE |
08CARACAS1702 | VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT TO ASSUME PERMANENT CONTROL [...] (C) SUMMARY: Aeropostal president Dr. Mustafa Flores reports he expects the government to take permanent control of the airline by December 12 and will then bankrupt it. He, along with all but two of the Aeropostal board of directors, plan to resign as they fear they will ultimately be blamed. [...] | 2008-12-11 13:45:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON CASC CVIS ASEC MARR PGOV EAIR PREL ETRD |
08CARACAS1704 | VENEZUELA: CHEVRON CONFIRMS INTEREST IN HEAVY OIL [...] No summary [...] | 2008-12-12 21:57:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS1712 | VENEZUELA: CHEVRON CONFIRMS INTEREST IN HEAVY OIL [...] (C) Economic Counselor met briefly December 4 with Chevron President for Africa and Latin America Exploration and Production Ali Moshiri. Moshiri was accompanied by Wes Lohec, Managing Director of Chevron's Latin America Business Unit. Moshiri first underlined that Venezuela continues to be i [...] | 2008-12-15 14:43:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS1725 | CHAVEZ WARMLY WELCOMES RAUL CASTRO [...] (C) SUMMARY: Cuban president Raul Castro and Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez signed or renewed in Caracas a myriad of bilateral agreements valued at USD 2.1 billion on December 13, during Castro's first post-succession trip abroad. Under tight security, Castro laid a wreath at the tomb of Simon [...] | 2008-12-16 21:26:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ETRD PREL CU VE |
08CARACAS174 | CHAVEZ REPEATS THREATS TO PRIVATE SECTOR IN EFFORT [...] (SBU) Summary: On January 31, the BRV published a decree reforming the "Law Against Speculation and Hoarding," a 2007 decree that criminalized the hoarding and speculation of regulated goods, reduced the legal barriers for expropriations, and established harsh fines and jail time for violators [...] | 2008-02-13 16:39:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS1747 | VENEZUELAN CEMENT INDUSTRY HEADED TO INTERNATIONAL [...] (C) SUMMARY: Cement companies Holcim and Lafarge are expected to soon join Cemex at the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) after giving up hope of compensation for their nationalized operations in Venezuela. According to a Holcim executive, the company was rel [...] | 2008-12-19 16:36:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV PREL ETRD KHLS PTER VE |
08CARACAS175 | PDVSA ANNOUNCES SUSPENSION OF COMMERCIAL RELATIONS [...] (C) In the evening of February 12, PDVSA issued a press release announcing that it would "suspend commercial relations and the supply of crude and products" to ExxonMobil in light of ExxonMobil's "unnecessary, intimidating, and hostile" legal actions (reftel). PDVSA promised to "fully honor [...] | 2008-02-13 21:51:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EPET VE |
08CARACAS1754 | VENEZUELAN CABINET RESHUFFLE MAY AFFECT PORTS AND [...] (C) SUMMARY: Chavez appointed Diosdado Cabello Rondon, the person most frequently mentioned as a possible successor, as the new Minister of Infrastructure (Minfra) on December 6. Cabello lost his re-election bid for the governorship of Miranda State in the November 23 election. We have already [...] | 2008-12-19 22:08:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON CASC CVIS ASEC MARR PGOV EAIR PREL ETRD |
08CARACAS1758 | CADIVI AUTHORIZATIONS SHARPLY DOWN [...] According to statistics published December 22, the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela's (GBRV) foreign exchange authority, known by its Spanish acronym CADIVI, sharply reduced its foreign currency authorizations over the first three weeks of December. While in past years Dece [...] | 2008-12-22 18:37:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON VE |
08CARACAS1765 | CHAVEZ ORDERS THE EXPROPRIATION OF JEWISH-OWNED [...] (U) On December 21, during the last "Alo, Presidente" broadcast of 2008, President Chavez ordered the mayor of Libertador Borough of Caracas Jorge Rodriguez to expropriate a large commercial center in the final stages of construction. In his latest tirade against the private sector, Chavez r [...] | 2008-12-23 16:07:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV KIRF VE |
08CARACAS186 | BANCO MERCANTIL PRESENTS POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC [...] (C) Summary: In a February 12 meeting with the Ambassador, senior economists of Banco Mercantil, one of Venezuela's four largest banks, argued that President Chavez was facing simultaneous adverse political and economic shocks following the December 2 referendum. Given his current vulnerabil [...] | 2008-02-15 14:47:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PGOV VE |
08CARACAS188 | AMBASSADOR VISITS MARACAIBO AND ZULIA STATE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Ambassador Duddy visited Maracaibo in Zulia state February 7-9, 2008 meeting with American & local business leaders, students, news media, opposition party mayors and the state Governor of Zulia. All groups encouraged increased interaction with the USG. Crime, and particularl [...] | 2008-02-15 16:56:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON KDEM PGOV PREL SENV VE |
08CARACAS193 | PDVSA WILL PARTICIPATE IN ARBITRATION PROCESS WITH [...] (U) BRV Energy Minister and PDVSA President, Rafael Ramirez, in a Thursday, February 14, speech before the National Assembly on the ExxonMobil (XM) dispute stated: "We cannot refuse to address the agreements that the previous congress and PDVSA administration made....PDVSA is disposed to com [...] | 2008-02-15 22:03:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG EPET EINV PREL VE |
08CARACAS197 | VENEZUELAN KEY RESOURCES AND CRITICAL [...] In response to reftel A, Venezuela has little or no critical infrastructure (as defined in reftel A) and few key resources that are vital to the United States. Venezuela's most significant resource that is supplied to the US is petroleum and petroleum products. Venezuela produces approximat [...] | 2008-02-19 17:18:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | ASEC EAID ECON ETTC PGOV PTER PERL EAGER EFIN |
08CARACAS25 | SAME FACES, DIFFERENT PLACES: BIOS ON CHAVEZ' NEW [...] (SBU) Summary: On January 6, President Chavez announced changes in eight key economic portfolios: the Ministry of Finance, Telecommunications, Planning and Development, Housing, Basic Industry and Mining, Light Industry and Trade, Food, Housing, and Social Development and Popular Participation [...] | 2008-01-09 19:35:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS264 | STATOIL: MIXED VIEWS ON INVESTMENT CLIMATE [...] No summary [...] | 2008-02-28 18:12:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS313 | INFLATION STARTING TO TAKE ITS TOLL ON VENEZUELA'S [...] (C) Summary: Inflation, including the repressed inflation reflected in rolling shortages of price-controlled goods, is quickly becoming a stone around the neck of the BRV's economic management team. While most independent and opposition-aligned economic analysts agree that the primary cause [...] | 2008-03-06 16:07:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PGOV VE |
08CARACAS329 | FOOD EXPORTS AND IMPORTS FURTHER THREATENED BY [...] (C) Summary: Recent BRV actions have complicated the situation for both food exporters and importers. To the great concern of exporters, on February 22 the BRV announced that it would add 77 food products to the list of Venezuelan goods requiring certificates of local sufficiency prior to per [...] | 2008-03-07 22:34:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS366 | NO GAS IN THE KITCHEN [...] (C) Summary: The distribution system for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in cylinders, which is used by the majority of Venezuelan families for cooking, has been stressed to the point that it will cease to function unless price controls are lifted or subsidies are provided by the BRV. Price con [...] | 2008-03-14 22:33:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS371 | POLAR STILL SKATING ON THIN ICE [...] (C) Summary: According to Polar's Director of Government Relations Jose Machado (strictly protect throughout),Polar has stopped exporting many of their products due to government restrictions. Polar is Venezuela's largest food processor. Imports of vital components for domestic production t [...] | 2008-03-17 13:11:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS376 | BRV MOVES TO CONTROL PARALLEL RATE [...] (SBU) Summary: The parallel exchange rate has fallen almost 40 percent since its November 2007 high. The BRV has played a major role in bringing the rate down by selling dollar-denominated debt instruments for bolivars, thus effectively supplying dollars to the parallel market. Given the ma [...] | 2008-03-17 16:20:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS378 | PDVSA CHANGES THE RULES YET AGAIN [...] (C) SUMMARY: PDVSA is demanding payment in euros for at least some oil sales. It is not clear what is the extent of the new policy. PDVSA is also considering asking purchasers to pre-pay for purchases. To the surprise of industry insiders, PDVSA will comply with President Chavez' order bann [...] | 2008-03-17 20:45:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS386 | THE FOOD SHORTAGE SAGA CONTINUES: THE MEAT CHAPTER [...] (SBU) Summary: The president of the National Beef Council blamed meat shortages on BRV land seizures and the BRV's role in falling domestic productivity, labor shortages and price controls. The BRV has failed to provide coherent regulations in the beef sector and a reasonable level of physical [...] | 2008-03-19 13:52:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS395 | THE FOOD SHORTAGE SAGA CONTINUES: THE SUPERMARKET [...] (C) Summary: The National Supermarket Association reports that Chavez appears to be losing the public relations battle on the food shortages. This is likely contributing to his drop in the polls (ref C). Chavez' demands that Venezuela become self-sufficient in terms of food production have le [...] | 2008-03-19 21:58:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS423 | CHINA NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION STILL [...] (C) SUMMARY: China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is slowly moving forward with its three joint ventures in Venezuela but continues to be frustrated by PDVSA and the BRV's administrative problems. The Sinovensa joint venture has more than doubled production. The Petrozumano joint vent [...] | 2008-03-27 15:51:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS435 | CODEL WYDEN'S MARCH 26-28 VISIT TO VENEZUELA [...] (C) Summary: On his March 26-28 visit to Caracas, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) discussed the political situation in Venezuela with interlocutors from the political, business, media, and NGO communities. He also conducted internal meetings with Embassy personnel, took a driving tour of a poor ne [...] | 2008-03-28 19:31:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON VE |
08CARACAS457 | PARAGUAY SUPPORTS VENEZUELA'S ENTRY INTO MERCOSUR [...] On April 2, local media reported that Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez expressed Paraguay's support for Venezuela's full membership into the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR),during his recent trip to Caracas. According to ABN, the official BRV news agency, during the signing of [...] | 2008-04-03 13:47:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ENRG ETRD EINV PA VE |
08CARACAS473 | PDVAL: THE VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT'S NEWEST FOOD [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The State oil company PDVSA's new subsidiary for Production and Distribution of Venezuelan Food (PDVAL),is trying to increase the quantity of price regulated food distributed in Caracas and Venezuela's interior. PDVAL, launched at the direction of President Chavez in January [...] | 2008-04-04 13:24:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV EAGR EINV VE |
08CARACAS475 | BRV DEBT: MANAGEABLE LEVELS, PUZZLING STRATEGY [...] (SBU) Summary: At first glance, the BRV's sovereign debt, which totals about 19 percent of GDP when converting between bolivars (Bs) and dollars at the official exchange rate, seems low relative to other middle-income countries. A closer look suggests a slightly less rosy picture, although o [...] | 2008-04-04 13:35:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS487 | CONOCOPHILLIPS BRIEFS AMBASSADOR ON COMPENSATION [...] (C) SUMMARY: ConocoPhillips (CP) is guardedly optimistic on the state of negotiations on compensation for its expropriated assets in Venezuela. May will be the key month for negotiations. CP and the BRV have reached agreement on the methodology for determining the fair market value of CP's a [...] | 2008-04-04 21:06:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS491 | SCHLUMBERGER: PDVSA IMPROVING [...] (C) SUMMARY: The operating environment for service companies has improved significantly over the past four to six months. PDVSA is apparently serious about increasing production and has shown a new willingness to approach the private sector for help. PDVSA has begun to pay service companies [...] | 2008-04-07 21:23:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS493 | BRV UNVEILS NATIONAL INFLATION INDEX [...] (SBU) Summary: The Central Bank (BCV) and National Statistics Institute (INE) unveiled on April 7 a national consumer price index (CPI-N),which replaces the metropolitan Caracas index (CPI-C) as the BRV's official inflation measure. According to the CPI-N, prices rose 3.1, 2.1, and 1.7 perc [...] | 2008-04-08 12:22:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS494 | CHAVEZ TO NATIONALIZE VENEZUELAN CEMENT INDUSTRY [...] (C) Summary: On April 3, President Chavez ordered the nationalization of the cement industry "in the short term," saying the state would pay whatever it costs (an estimated USD 2 billion) to take over the cement companies. In a meeting on April 4 with Cemex, Holcim, and Lafarge, it quickly be [...] | 2008-04-08 13:51:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS502 | AIR ACCIDENTS SHAKE UP VENEZUELAN AVIATION [...] (C) Summary: Venezuela's civilian aviation authority, INAC, was recently restructured as a result of 13 aviation "incidents" including multiple plane crashes within a 2 month period. In one of his first acts, the new INAC Director rescinded US charter airlines Falcon Air Express and Sky King [...] | 2008-04-09 15:42:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS525 | DEMARCHE DELIVERED: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE [...] (C) Acting EconCouns and Econoff delivered ref A demarche and associated non-paper to Francisco Canela, head of the Financial Intellegence Unit (UNIF) of the Superintendency of Banks (SUDEBAN),on April 11. Canela repeated past assurances (ref B) that all banks operating in Venezuela were su [...] | 2008-04-15 12:21:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EINV ETRD PARM PREL KNNP MNUC IR VE |
08CARACAS535 | VENEZUELAN AUTO INDUSTRY STALLS [...] (SBU) Summary: After doubling over the last few years, US auto exports to and production in Venezuela are sharply declining. Venezuelan auto imports, which doubled over the past two years, have consumed a significant portion of Venezuela's dollar holdings. In response, the BRV decided to sha [...] | 2008-04-17 18:25:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS558 | BRV ANNOUNCES 3 BILLION USD BOND ISSUANCE TARGETED [...] (U) The Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced on April 21 a USD 3 billion sovereign debt issuance. The issuance is composed of two "Sovereign International Bonds" (SIBs),dollar-denominated bonds maturing in 2023 (9 percent coupon) and 2028 (9.25 percent coupon),with each representing 50 perc [...] | 2008-04-22 20:19:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS559 | THE NEW WINDFALL PROFITS TAX: ANOTHER FINE MESS [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Official Gazette published the new windfall profits tax on April 15. The tax, which is seductively simple on its face, appears to place an unfair burden on private sector joint venture partners by allowing PDVSA to pass the tax to the joint ventures without allowing them a ta [...] | 2008-04-22 20:37:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS560 | CHAVEZ'S NEW LABOR MINISTER URGES WORKERS TO UNITE [...] (C) Summary. President Chavez named National Assembly First Vice President Roberto Hernandez to replace Jose Ramon Rivero as Labor Minister on April 15. Prior to joining Chavez's United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) in 2007, Hernandez was one of Venezuela's most prominent Communist Pa [...] | 2008-04-22 20:48:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB ECON EINV PGOV PREL VE |
08CARACAS565 | PDVSA TO FORM NEW SERVICE JOINT VENTURES (REALLY) [...] (C) SUMMARY: PDVSA officials met with service company representatives and attorneys the week of April 14 to announce the formation of new joint ventures for the petroleum service sector. The new joint ventures will be restricted to individual product lines and will be guaranteed a 30% market [...] | 2008-04-25 19:58:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS566 | VENEZUELA'S BANKING SECTOR: ARE THE GOOD TIMES [...] (SBU) Summary: Over the last four years, Venezuela's banking sector has registered rapid growth and record profits. The good times may be ending, however. The economy is slowing down; the BRV has tightened monetary policy to counter inflation; and banks are subject to increasing government [...] | 2008-04-25 20:01:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS583 | VENEZUELAN AVIATION UPDATE [...] (C) Summary: Sources within the Venezuelan airline industry report that once again, Venezuela's civil aviation authority, INAC, is facing change. Less than two months after INAC's restructuring, American Airlines reports the BRV is creating a new office to supervise INAC. The office will li [...] | 2008-04-29 12:11:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS587 | BRV SELLS USD 4 BILLION IN SOVEREIGN BONDS [...] (U) The Ministry of Finance (MoF) published on April 28 the results of the Sovereign International Bond (SIB) issuance announced April 21 (reftel). Per these results, the MoF will sell SIBs worth a total amount (face value) of USD 4 billion. The announcement does not specify the amount allo [...] | 2008-04-29 14:46:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN VE |
08CARACAS598 | BLACK-OUT HITS FIFTY PERCENT OF VENEZUELA [...] (SBU) Summary: On April 29, a black-out caused chaos for several hours in thirteen Venezuelan states. The BRV described it as a failure in the national grid system due to a forest fire near key, high tension lines. The incident drew attention to the lack of investment in Venezuela's largely [...] | 2008-04-30 19:43:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS600 | US AUTOMAKERS' DIFFICULTIES CONTINUE IN VENEZUELA [...] (SBU) On April 29 labor negoiations between General Motors (GM) and its union reached a breaking point. GM Venezuela's legal counsel confirmed media reports that GM stopped production as a result of the impasse. In response to the halt in production, GM workers rioted, damaged 28 cars, and b [...] | 2008-04-30 21:58:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS609 | CHAVEZ ANNOUNCES 30 PERCENT HIKE IN MINIMUM WAGE [...] (U) Speaking on the evening of April 30 at a commemoration of International Worker's Day, President Chavez announced a 30 percent increase in the minimum wage and in all public sector employees' salaries. The new monthly minimum wage is 799 bolivars (Bs),or USD 372 at the official exchange [...] | 2008-05-02 21:39:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ELAB PGOV VE |
08CARACAS610 | HARVEST PUSHES BACK ON THE WINDFALL PROFITS TAX [...] (C) SUMMARY: U.S. oil company Harvest Natural Resources has begun to directly and indirectly lobby the BRV to define the terms of the new windfall profits tax. Harvest would like to see the BRV discount the 33.33% royalty when calculating the new tax. In addition, it also wants the BRV to p [...] | 2008-05-05 12:37:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS617 | UPDATE ON THE FORMER STRATEGIC ASSOCIATIONS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Energy Minister and PDVSA President Rafael Ramirez told the local press production at the former strategic associations was currently 600,000 barrels per day. He also crowed that the maintenance shutdown at Petrocedeno revealed that the upgrader was far simpler in design than int [...] | 2008-05-05 20:28:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS624 | UPDATE ON VENEZUELAN CEMENT NATIONALIZATIONS [...] (C) Summary: Negotiations to nationalize the "Big Three" cement companies in Venezuela are proceeding slowly (reftel.) The BRV is following the model they used to nationalize the oil industry right down to using the same PDVSA negotiating team. The BRV and PDVSA lack in-house expertise in the [...] | 2008-05-07 15:54:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS647 | CADIVI AT FIVE YEARS: GETTING WORSE [...] (C) Summary: Complaints about delays and corruption in CADIVI, the BRV's Commission for Administering Foreign Exchange, are increasing among private sector contacts. Although it has authorized more foreign currency liquidation on a daily basis thus far in 2008 than it did in on average 2007, [...] | 2008-05-12 21:08:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PGOV VE |
08CARACAS648 | DUTCH BIT BITES THE DUST [...] (C) SUMMARY: Venezuela has revoked its bilateral investment treaty (BIT) with the Netherlands effective November 1, 2008. The BIT remains in force for 15 years for investments made before the date of revocation. Both ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips are pursuing arbitration under the Dutch BIT. [...] | 2008-05-12 21:23:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV ECON EFIN PREL VE |
08CARACAS660 | BP EYES EXPANSION DEAL [...] (C) SUMMARY: BP hopes to sign an agreement for a major expansion of the Petromonagas extra heavy oil joint venture in the Faja this summer. Despite its optimism, it expects the BRV to postpone the auction of Faja blocks due to a lack of interest on the part of transnational oil companies. PDV [...] | 2008-05-14 20:00:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG EPET EINV VE |
08CARACAS670 | PORTUGAL PM SOCRATES WINS PLEDGE OF 30,000 BPD [...] (C) Summary: Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates won pledges of 30,000 barrels of oil per day from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez while on a May 13-15 state visit to the Bolivarian Republic. Portugal will pay for the oil, estimated by Chavez as having an annual value of USD 1 billion, [...] | 2008-05-15 21:01:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ENGR EINV ECON PO VE |
08CARACAS68 | VENEZUELA'S ECONOMY IN 2008: A DIFFICULT YEAR AS [...] (C) Summary: 2008 is likely to be a difficult year for Venezuela economically due to continued inflation, shortages, and policy-induced distortions. Nonetheless, the BRV's relatively strong external and fiscal positions, buoyed by record crude prices, should allow it to weather these problem [...] | 2008-01-17 20:26:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EPET EINV PGOV VE |
08CARACAS708 | UPDATE ON CONOCOPHILLIPS NEGOTIATIONS [...] (C) SUMMARY: ConocoPhillips (CP) continues to be optimistic on the state of negotiations on compensation for its expropriated assets in Venezuela. CP executives presented senior BRV and Citgo officials with CP's valuations of three Citgo refineries. In the event of an asset swap, CP hopes to [...] | 2008-05-23 14:09:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS769 | VENEZUELA'S ECONOMIC GROWTH SLOWS IN FIRST QUARTER [...] (C) Summary: Central Bank figures for the first quarter of 2008 show that Venezuela's economy is continuing to grow, but at a slower rate. First quarter growth was 4.8 percent in 2008, a marked decrease from the 8.8 percent registered in the first quarter of 2007. While the Central Bank lau [...] | 2008-06-04 13:54:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EINV ETRD VE |
08CARACAS781 | VENEZUELA'S NON-RESPONSE ON ENDING EXPORT [...] (SBU) Post delivered the points in the referenced cables via diplomatic note to the Ministry of International Relations, the Ministry of Food, the Ministry of Agriculture and Land, and the Ministry of Light Industry and Commerce (refs A, B, C). There has been no response to date and Post does [...] | 2008-06-04 21:11:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON PGOV VE |
08CARACAS822 | VENEZUELA'S NOT SO FRIENDLY SKIES [...] (C) SUMMARY: On June 3, Embassy officials met with Venezuela's civil aviation authority (INAC) for the first time since February 2007 to discuss TSA visits as well several other aviation issues (ref A). The meeting may have been prompted by former INAC President Yoffreda, who is rumored to be [...] | 2008-06-11 11:20:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAIR ECON PGOV MARR VE |
08CARACAS838 | CHAVEZ ANNOUNCES NEW ECONOMIC MEASURES: MUCH ADO, [...] (C) Summary: President Chavez announced on June 11 a series of economic measures to stimulate domestic production and reduce inflationary pressures. Calling for a national productive alliance, Chavez detailed measures including creation of a USD 1 billion government controlled fund to inves [...] | 2008-06-12 23:00:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PGOV VE |
08CARACAS844 | CORRECTED COPY: CHAVEZ ANNOUNCES NEW ECONOMIC [...] (U) This cable is a corrected copy of CARACAS 838, with a pass line to USDA added. 2. (C) Summary: President Chavez announced on June 11 a series of economic measures to stimulate domestic production and reduce inflationary pressures. Calling for a national productive alliance, Chavez d [...] | 2008-06-13 16:41:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EAGR PGOV VE |
08CARACAS86 | BRV CONSUMED WITH NORMALIZING VENEZUELAN FOOD [...] (C) Summary: During January 21 - 22, a somewhat manic Chavez announced a laundry list of agricultural and food distribution "reforms," including increasing the controlled price of milk, closing the Colombian border to food smugglers, threatening to expropriate land and facilities from milk pro [...] | 2008-01-23 22:30:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV EAGR VE |
08CARACAS862 | VENEZUELAN INSPECTOR REPORTS CONCERNS WITH [...] (C) Summary: On June 10 an Air Accident Inspector (strictly protect throughout) from the Ministry of Popular Power for Infrastructure (Minfra) told Econ staff that in her opinion Venezuela has no intention of allowing TSA inspections. She noted drug trafficking represents a serious threat to [...] | 2008-06-17 19:49:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAIR ECON PGOV MARR VE ASEC |
08CARACAS912 | PDVSA'S MARKETING MESS [...] (C) SUMMARY: PDVSA is not shipping asphalt and other products to the U.S., a violation of a supply contract with Nustar Refining. PDVSA has been having problems placing its Monagas 18 crude due to its composition. PDVSA is still facing a myriad of problems at its refineries and continues to [...] | 2008-06-30 21:42:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS921 | HARVEST FINALLY BEGINS TO REAP WHAT IT HAS SOWN [...] (C) SUMMARY: After spending months in legal limbo, U.S. oil company Harvest has received all of its dividends through 2007 from its joint venture company Petrodelta. Harvest's drilling program has been highly successful and it has worked out a system whereby Petrodelta can secure material and [...] | 2008-07-02 19:07:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG EINV ECON VE |
08CARACAS942 | VENEZUELA'S CODEX COMMITTEE ATTEMPTS A COMEBACK [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) may attempt to revive its currently moribund interministerial Codex committee, and recall its former director. Reviving Venezuela's Codex committee will not be easy, because of the very problems that led to its demise a few years ago. [...] | 2008-07-07 20:18:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON ETRD PGOV VE |
08CARACAS956 | INFLATION CONTINUES RELENTLESS MARCH WITH FOOD [...] (U) According to the national consumer price index (CPI-N) compiled by the Central Bank and the National Statistics Institute, inflation for the month of June was 2.4 percent and reached 15.1 percent for the first half of 2008. Annualized inflation (June 2006 to June 2007) topped 32 percent i [...] | 2008-07-09 19:54:00 | Embassy Caracas | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON AMGT ALOW APER AFIN ABUD VE |
08CARACAS968 | VENEZUELA'S CODEX COMMITTEE ATTEMPTS A COMEBACK [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) may attempt to revive its currently moribund interministerial Codex committee, and recall its former director. Reviving Venezuela's Codex committee will not be easy, because of the very problems that led to its demise a few years ago. [...] | 2008-07-14 11:57:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON ETRD PGOV VE |
08CARACAS991 | GENERAL MOTORS HALTING PRODUCTION IN VENEZUELA [...] No summary [...] | 2008-07-18 15:56:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EINV ETRD EIND PGOV VE |
08CARACAS998 | NEW BANKING SUPERINTENDENT OPTIMISTIC ABOUT HEALTH [...] (C) Summary: Newly appointed Superintendent of Banks Maria Elena Fumero (strictly protect throughout) told Ecouncouns she believes the financial sector is generally in good shape. The structured notes (reftel) were problematic, she said, but did not represent a systemic threat to the sector [...] | 2008-07-18 23:01:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN KTFN VE |
08CASABLANCA104 | SOURCES OF WEALTH IN CASABLANCA - INTERNAL, EXTERNAL, ILLICIT [...] (SBU) Summary: In Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic capital, prosperity is increasingly on display, raising the question of where it comes from. Family money, the banking and real estate sectors, and a strong-performing stock market account for some wealth. Remittances from Moroccans [...] | 2008-05-23 16:42:00 | Consulate Casablanca | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EINV KDEM MO |
08CASABLANCA107 | CHINA'S GROWING ECONOMIC INFLUENCE IN MOROCCO [...] (SBU) Summary: Strong bilateral ties between China and Morocco have been bolstered in recent years by state and official visits. Commercial exchanges between the two countries have increased, and Chinese traders have begun to set up shop in Casablanca's largest commercial district. Although b [...] | 2008-05-29 16:28:00 | Consulate Casablanca | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD PGOV XA CH MO |
08CASABLANCA115 | RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON FORCED LABOR AND [...] This cable responds to a request for information on the use of forced labor and exploitative child labor in the production of goods in Morocco. While Morocco does not have a record of forced child labor, child labor does exist and is used in the production of some goods, mainly in the handicr [...] | 2008-06-03 18:04:00 | Consulate Casablanca | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB EIND ETRD PHUM ECON SOCI MO |
08CASABLANCA207 | MOROCCO AND ALGERIA'S QUIET ECONOMIC RAPPROCHEMENT [...] (C) Despite their closed land border, the Moroccan and Algerian economies have become increasingly interconnected in sectors ranging from energy to banking. Revenues for General Electric (GE) Morocco total 250 million USD per year in Algeria; the CEO of the National Office of Phosphates (OCP) [...] | 2008-11-04 07:28:00 | Consulate Casablanca | CONFIDENTIAL | AG ECIN ECON ENRG MO PGOV PREL |
08CASABLANCA209 | OFFSHORING - MOROCCO,S COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE [...] (SBU) Building on its natural advantage of both geographic and linguistic proximity to Europe, the "offshoring plank" of Morocco,s "Emergence" strategy has succeeded in making the country a premier destination for European firms seeking to shift their operations offshore. Beyond language, geo [...] | 2008-11-05 13:26:00 | Consulate Casablanca | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EIND PGOV PREL AMCHAMS MO |
08CASABLANCA224 | SCANDAL AT THE CASABLANCA STOCK EXCHANGE [...] (SBU) Summary: The Morocco Council for the Code of Ethics in Securities Markets, (CDVM) moved decisively the week of 17 November to address a simmering scandal at the Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE),recommending to the Minister of Finance that the Exchange,s entire leadership be dismissed for [...] | 2008-11-26 17:06:00 | Consulate Casablanca | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EINT MO PGOV |
08CASABLANCA235 | DIFFICULTIES IN MOROCCO'S MICROCREDIT SECTOR [...] (SBU) Summary: The Central Bank of Morocco and the National Federation of Microcredit Associations (FNAM) moved decisively the week of 8 December to address difficulties in Morocco's microcredit industry, recommending that a national credit bureau be established. The Central Bank reported tha [...] | 2008-12-15 17:13:00 | Consulate Casablanca | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EINT MO PGOV |
08CASABLANCA27 | EL FASSI'S FIRST 100 DAYS: TOO EARLY TO TELL, BUT TIME TO ACT [...] (SBU) Summary: 100 days into El Fassi's tenure as Prime Minister, many Casablancans feel they have little on which to judge the new government, though they feel it is time for action. Citizens expressed anger over the increase in value-added tax on cars, and a sense of urgency about the need t [...] | 2008-02-05 10:28:00 | Consulate Casablanca | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN KDEM MO |
08CASABLANCA270 | DONKEY CARTS BY DIOR: CASABLANCA GOES UPSCALE [...] (SBU) Summary: An explosion of high-end stores has hit Casablanca in the past few years, causing one magazine to declare luxury a new sector in Morocco. While some view the luxury boom as evidence of newfound upward mobility, others believe the rich are just getting richer, though it is not a [...] | 2008-01-14 09:23:00 | Consulate Casablanca | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN KDEM MO |
08CASABLANCA272 | U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE DIRECTOR GENERAL ISRAEL HERNANDEZ [...] (U) Summary: Director General and Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion Israel Hernandez visited Morocco December 5-7 to reinforce the important friendship and bilateral trade relationship between the U.S. and Morocco. He met separately with Minister of Industry, Commerce and New Technologi [...] | 2008-01-16 12:02:00 | Consulate Casablanca | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BEXP ECON ETRD BMGT PREL MO |
08CASABLANCA281 | CASABLANCA REFORMERS FOCUS ON EDUCATION, PARLIAMENT, [...] (SBU) Summary: At a reform advocates' luncheon for visiting DAS Kent Patton and Tunis MEPI Director Peter Mulrean on January 16, 2008 in Casablanca, discussion focused on three types of reform: educational, parliamentary and constitutional. The discussion preceded a letter calling for the defe [...] | 2008-01-29 11:14:00 | Consulate Casablanca | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KDEM PGOV ECON SOCI MO |
08CASABLANCA282 | EXXONMOBIL SELLS SHARES IN MOROCCAN AFFILIATE [...] (SBU) Summary: ExxonMobil will announce on January 30 a strategic decision to sell its shares of Mobil Oil Maroc to Libya Oil Holdings Limited, a Libyan-government entity. The sale's impact on Morocco is expected to be minor. End Summary. --------------------------------------------- EXXON [...] | 2008-01-29 17:06:00 | Consulate Casablanca | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EPET ENRG EFIN MO |
08CASABLANCA35 | MOROCCANS STRIKE OVER RISING FOOD COSTS [...] (SBU) Summary: In recent weeks, Morocco has been hit by a number of national strikes protesting rising costs and other issues and it appears there may be more strikes on the horizon. The GOM, in an early attempt to preempt a national general strike, commenced talks with trade union represen [...] | 2008-02-21 14:21:00 | Consulate Casablanca | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ELAB ECON ETRD MO |
08CASABLANCA50 | MOROCCAN APPAREL EXPERTS SPIN YARNS ABOUT TRADE WITH U.S. [...] (SBU) Summary: Experts in the Moroccan apparel sector say they have limited contact with U.S. clients as a result of stiff competition from Asian markets, American retailers' quest for higher profit margins, and the weak dollar. They question the benefits the FTA offers, but believe that maki [...] | 2008-03-11 14:51:00 | Consulate Casablanca | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD KTEX MO |
08CASABLANCA62 | ANTI-PIRACY EFFORTS IN CASABLANCA DO NOT DETER [...] (SBU) Summary: Following a series of seizures of pirated CDs and DVDs, Moroccan authorities destroyed some 80,000 discs on March 27 in Casablanca. Undeterred, illegal CD and DVD vendors remain in business, buoyed by strong demand and the knowledge that periodic raids are annoying, but not rui [...] | 2008-04-03 13:58:00 | Consulate Casablanca | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN KDEM MO |
08CASABLANCA81 | MOROCCAN ROYAL FAMILY HOLDING ONA FIRES CEO [...] (SBU) Summary: Morocco's largest conglomerate, the palace-controlled ONA, dismissed its CEO on April 11, charging that he mismanaged Wana, the company's telecommunications subsidiary. The abrupt nature of the dismissal has been the talk of Casablanca business circles for the past week, and has refo [...] | 2008-04-24 11:06:00 | Consulate Casablanca | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN KDEM MO |
08CASABLANCA86 | CASABLANCA FIRE MAKES SAFETY STANDARDS A BURNING ISSUE [...] (SBU) Summary: On April 26, fire erupted in a mattress factory in Casablanca, killing 58 of the 100 workers trapped inside. While the factory owner violated numerous safety regulations and will be prosecuted for his role in the tragedy, citizens also blame government authorities for failing to [...] | 2008-04-30 17:02:00 | Consulate Casablanca | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ELAB KDEM PHUM MO |
08CASABLANCA93 | STRIKES ON THE HORIZON DESPITE GOM OFFER [...] (SBU) Summary: Following a surprisingly weak turnout on what many though would be well attended May Day celebrations, Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi announced that he would implement his offer to increase monthly minimum wage, lower some income taxes and increase other social benefits. In resp [...] | 2008-05-07 12:54:00 | Consulate Casablanca | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ELAB ECON ETRD MO |
08CHENGDU11 | GUIZHOU PARTY SECRETARY HOSTS LUNCH FOR DEPUTY SECRETARY [...] (SBU) Summary. During a lunch banquet hosted for the Deputy Secretary, Guizhou Party Secretary Shi Zongyuan described his SIPDIS professional challenges, especially the problems of economic development in the face of deep rural poverty. He urged more high-level visits to interior China, c [...] | 2008-01-23 01:15:00 | Consulate Chengdu | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON SOCI CH |
08CHENGDU122 | POST-QUAKE SICHUAN: A MANUFACTURER LEAVES FOR THE COAST? [...] (C) Summary: According to a well-connected local businessman, the famed Dongfang Electric Machinery Company based in Deyang, Sichuan Province, which sells billions of dollars in power generation equipment worldwide including to Iran and Pakistan, may move its hydroelectric power operations to [...] | 2008-06-04 04:00:00 | Consulate Chengdu | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EIND PGOV CH |
08CHENGDU158 | CHENGDU TRANSPORTATION EXPERT CRITICAL OF NEW INFRASTRUCTURE [...] (C) Summary: According to a former long-time transportation advisor to Chengdu party secretaries, it is highly unlikely the city will be able to recoup the costs of either a new light rail line to Dujiangyan, still scheduled to begin construction in late 2008 despite the recent earthquake, or [...] | 2008-07-18 02:54:00 | Consulate Chengdu | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ELTN PGOV CH |
08CHENGDU175 | TIBETAN PREFECTURE IN SOUTHWEST CHINA -- HIGH SUBSIDIES [...] (S) Summary: A series of internal government documents recently obtained by post provide an unusually detailed look into the internal workings of the poor and predominantly ethnic Tibetan prefecture of Ganzi in southwest China's Sichuan Province. Massive subsidies are being invested in infra [...] | 2008-08-07 05:42:00 | Consulate Chengdu | SECRET | PGOV ECON PHUM CH |
08CHENGDU210 | CHENGDU MANIPULATING AIR QUALITY DATA? [...] (SBU) This cable contains sensitive but unclassified information - not for distribution on the Internet. 2. (SBU) Summary: Official data published on the Ministry of Environmental Protection website strongly suggests that Chengdu air quality data is being manipulated to appear cleaner [...] | 2008-09-29 09:49:00 | Consulate Chengdu | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SENV ENRG ECON PREL CH |
08CHENGDU238 | NORTHWEST YUNNAN'S DIQING PREFECTURE: SNAPSHOT OF A QUIETER [...] (C) Summary: Northwest Yunnan's Tibetan Diqing Autonomous Prefecture (TAP) has been the calmest of all the ethnic Tibetan areas in China during 2008, likely due to a large presence of Han and other minorities (Tibetans only make up about a third of the population),the influence of its ethnic [...] | 2008-10-24 05:56:00 | Consulate Chengdu | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM ECON SOCI CH |
08CHENGDU241 | SOUTHWEST CHINA'S REAL ESTATE CONTINUES PRE-QUAKE SLIDE [...] (U) This cable contains sensitive but unclassified information - not for distribution on the internet. 2. (SBU) Summary: Land prices and housing prices in Chengdu and Chongqing, two major cities in southwest China, have been declining since late last year as government regulations have [...] | 2008-10-27 08:08:00 | Consulate Chengdu | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ELAB CH |
08CHENGDU267 | CHENGDU YET TO SEE SURGE OF RETURNING WORKERS FROM CLOSED [...] (U) This cable contains sensitive but unclassified information - not for distribution on the internet. 2. (SBU) Summary. While laid off workers from the coast returning to Sichuan may eventually boost unemployment in Sichuan Province, Chengdu labor experts have yet to see evidence of t [...] | 2008-11-26 08:53:00 | Consulate Chengdu | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ELAB FCS PAS POL |
08CHENGDU286 | MCC ELIGIBILITY: THE CASE FOR TIMOR-LESTE [...] On December 12, the Ambassador briefed Finance Minister Pires, Foreign Minister da Costa, Vice Prime Minister Guterres, Acting Speaker of Parliament Guterres, the head of Timor's MCC team, and President Jose Ramos Horta on the MCC Board's decision to not reselect Timor-Leste as Compact eligibl [...] | 2008-12-15 09:10:00 | Consulate Chengdu | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV MCC ECON EFIN TT |
08CHENGDU287 | SOUTHEAST TIBET: ETHNIC HAN TOWNSHIP FLOURISHES ON [...] (C) Summary: Massive government subsidies and military infrastructure improvements have doubled the size of Bayi Township (80 percent ethnic Han) in the southeast of China's Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) over the past decade. Large contributions on infrastructure and in kind "Help Tibet Ca [...] | 2008-12-15 09:58:00 | Consulate Chengdu | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ECON PHUM CH |
08CHENGDU289 | SOUTHEAST TIBET: ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL OVERVIEW [...] (C) Summary: According to Linzhi Prefecture officials in the southeast of China's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR),ninety percent of local government expenditures are subsidized by the central government as well as the provincial governments of Fujian and Guangdong. A major source of income fo [...] | 2008-12-16 01:40:00 | Consulate Chengdu | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV SOCI CH |
08CHENGDU293 | SOUTHWEST CHINA: QUAKE RECONSTRUCTION AND ECONOMIC STIMULUS [...] (U) This cable contains sensitive but unclassified information - not for distribution on the internet. 2. (SBU) SUMMARY: According to two prominent researchers in Chengdu, the national-level economic stimulus plan will bolster Sichuan Province's economy during the two to three year windo [...] | 2008-12-18 09:16:00 | Consulate Chengdu | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN CH |
08CHENGDU299 | ASSISTANCE TO RETURNING LABORERS IN SOUTHWEST CHINA'S [...] (U) This cable contains sensitive but unclassified information - not for distribution on the internet. 2. (SBU) SUMMARY. Authorities in southwest China's Guizhou province have set up booths at the capital city's train station to assist the thousands of migrant laborers who are returning [...] | 2008-12-31 08:25:00 | Consulate Chengdu | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ELAB CH |
08CHENGDU36 | SOUTHWEST CHINA -- GUIZHOU SLOWLY RECOVERING FROM STORM [...] (C) Summary: In the aftermath of what provincial authorities claim was the worst winter storm since 1904, China's poorest province is struggling to deal with the provision of basic necessities to the countryside. Damage to the province's electrical power distribution system was particularly s [...] | 2008-02-26 09:37:00 | Consulate Chengdu | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ECON SOCI CH |
08CHENGDU42 | LHASA CONVERSATIONS - WHAT ARE THE PEOPLE THINKING? [...] (C) Summary: A series of unscripted Consulate encounters in Lhasa, including with a Han teacher from Hebei, a Hui Muslim vendor of pirated DVDs from Gansu, a longtime resident Han barber from Sichuan, a lama recently arrived from Qinghai, university students from Chamdo (eastern Tibet),and B [...] | 2008-03-06 09:41:00 | Consulate Chengdu | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ECON SOCI CH |
08CHENGDU43 | TIBET: TOURISM, THE TRAIN, AND MIGRANT LABOR [...] (C) Summary: Local officials in charge of tourism, railroad, and labor issues in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) claim to be "unsure" how many people from inland China may be resettling in traditional Tibetan areas. In 2007, over four million tourists (mostly from inland China) visited t [...] | 2008-03-07 09:33:00 | Consulate Chengdu | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ECON SOCI CH |
08CHENGDU52 | TIP IN SOUTHWEST CHINA IMPROVING? AUTHORITIES SHED LITTLE [...] (C) Summary: Sichuan and Yunnan authorities insist that effective law enforcement, education campaigns, and victim assistance programs have dramatically reduced human trafficking in southwest China. But a healthy dose of skepticism seems to be in order. End Summary. 2. (SBU) Accompanied [...] | 2008-03-24 03:05:00 | Consulate Chengdu | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB ECON PGOV SOCI CH |
08CHENGDU78 | TIBETAN ECONOMIC DISCONTENT -- LHASA MERCHANT ON OBSTACLES [...] (C) Summary: According to a merchant from Lhasa, the overall poor education level of Tibetans, their lack of access to capital, and the "discrimination" they face from Han Chinese make it very hard for Tibetans to succeed in business. The merchant's comments are reflected in a Chinese academi [...] | 2008-04-22 07:39:00 | Consulate Chengdu | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV PHUM CH |
08CHENGDU98 | CHENGDU PETROCHINA PROJECT PROTEST [...] (C) Summary: Summoned by anonymous text messages, a crowd of 100 or more protestors gathered in Chengdu on May 4 to express their opposition to the construction of a large chemical plant north of the city. The project in question is a USD 5.5 billion joint investment by PetroChina and the Sic [...] | 2008-05-08 03:31:00 | Consulate Chengdu | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV SENV PHUM ECON CH |
08CHENNAI100 | NEW HYDERABAD AIRPORT STILL IN HOLDING PATTERN [...] (U) Sonia Gandhi, chair of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA),formally inaugurated the new Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGI) in Hyderabad on March 14, 2008, with much fanfare. The inauguration heralded the planned opening of the facility on March 16 (ref B). Almost immediately afte [...] | 2008-03-17 10:50:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAIR ETRD EFIN PREL PGOV IN |
08CHENNAI113 | UNSEASONABLE RAINS DEVASTATE KERALA'S CROPS AND EXPOSE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: An unseasonable spell of rain hit the South India state of Kerala in mid-March as farmers were preparing to harvest rice causing an estimated crop loss of USD 45 million. The unusual downpours also caused political trouble for the state's ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist [...] | 2008-03-28 04:25:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON IN |
08CHENNAI119 | KARNATAKA HEADED FOR MAY POLLS [...] (U) Summary: The South India state of Karnataka will hold elections for its legislative assembly before May 28, according to a statement India's Chief Election Commissioner made to reporters on March 28 in Chennai. The precise date of the elections has not been set, but earlier reports sugges [...] | 2008-04-01 10:38:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON IN |
08CHENNAI133 | RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA: FROM CATTLE HERDING TO DATA [...] SUMMARY: Local government and non-governmental organizations have established innovative rural development initiatives in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. An entrepreneurial district administrator has used pre-existing development funds to establish India's first-ever rural business pro [...] | 2008-04-11 07:37:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINT EIND PGOV PHUM PTER IN |
08CHENNAI192 | CONGRESS REELING AFTER BIG BJP WIN IN KARNATAKA [...] (SBU) Summary: The May 25 announcement of the state assembly election results in Karnataka gave the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a major victory. The party took 110 of the 224 seats in the assembly, leaving it three seats shy of an absolute majority. The BJP quickly secured the support of f [...] | 2008-05-28 11:03:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM PREL ECON KIRF KDEM IN |
08CHENNAI22 | SOUTH INDIA PREPARES TO DEFEND AGAINST AVIAN INFLUENZA [...] (SBU) Summary: The preparedness of India's southern states to manage a potential outbreak of Avian Influenza (AI) in the region is mixed. Tamil Nadu appears better prepared than the other southern states, but a severe outbreak is likely to stretch both the state and national governments' abil [...] | 2008-01-23 11:49:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KFLU TBIO EAGR CASC SENV ECON ETRD AMED IN |
08CHENNAI260 | SOUTH INDIA HELPS UPA IN CONFIDENCE VOTE, BUT TROUBLE AHEAD [...] (SBU) Summary: When the dust settled after the gripping July 22 trust vote in India's parliament (ref A),South Indians found the regional political landscape altered. Andhra Pradesh's Telugu Desam Party (TDP),a UPA opponent, fell further into disarray when two of its five Members of Parlia [...] | 2008-08-05 09:49:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON ENRG IN |
08CHENNAI263 | TAMIL NADU EXPERIENCES POWER SHORTAGES, INEVITABLE [...] (SBU) Summary: Decades of under-investment in power generation have finally caught up with the South India state of Tamil Nadu, which is currently experiencing unprecedented disruptions of electricity supply. This under-investment, combined with strong economic growth and accompanying demand [...] | 2008-08-07 08:48:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG TRGY KNNP ECON EINV PGOV EFIN IN RS |
08CHENNAI272 | WHAT WOULD LENIN DO? KERALA CPM SAYS "SEEK OUT FDI" [...] (SBU) Summary: Political Counselor and Consulate staff surveyed Kerala's political and economic scene in conversations with political and business leaders, journalists, and academics during an August 11 -12 visit to the South Indian state's capital, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). In a majo [...] | 2008-08-18 10:06:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PTER PHUM ECON ENRG IN |
08CHENNAI28 | SEPARATIST SENTIMENT PUTS ANDHRA PRADESH'S MAJOR PARTIES ON [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Demands for separate statehood for Andhra Pradesh's Telangana region have set the state's politics on edge again. The historically underdeveloped region has long harbored separatist demands, which in 2001 led to a split in the state's major regional political player, the Telugu [...] | 2008-01-25 10:47:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM ECON PREL IN |
08CHENNAI299 | KERALA'S COMMUNIST CHIEF MINISTER CALLS FOR FOREIGN [...] (U) Principal Officer Andrew Simkin traveled to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram),the capital of the South Indian state Kerala, on August 29-30 where he held introductory meetings with senior government officials and other key contacts. During his trip he met with Chief Minister V.S. Achuthana [...] | 2008-09-05 10:20:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON EINV IN |
08CHENNAI30 | KARNATAKA GOVERNOR WANTS STATE ELECTIONS BY MAY 28 [...] (U) Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur, speaking to reporters in Bangalore on January 23, said that he wants to see state elections happen before May 28. (Thakur has administered the state since the imposition of "President's Rule" in November, when the state's legislature demonstrated that i [...] | 2008-01-25 10:47:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM ECON PREL IN |
08CHENNAI32 | KERALA COMMUNISTS LEAVE U.S. COMPANY'S DONATED BOATS HIGH [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Twenty fishing boats lie unused sixteen months after they were donated by an American company to help rehabilitate a tsunami-affected coastal fishing community in the South Indian state of Kerala. Even though a tsunami-affected fishing community is standing by in need of boats [...] | 2008-01-29 09:13:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EAID PREL IN |
08CHENNAI322 | ANDHRA PRADESH ANTI-MAOIST STRATEGY SUCCESSFUL, BUT TOUGH [...] (SBU) Summary: The South India state Andhra Pradesh, which was once a hotbed of Maoist activity, has made substantial progress in quelling the leftist insurgency within its borders. The state's success can be attributed to improved governance, both in terms of more effective policing and the [...] | 2008-09-23 04:09:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PTER ECON PHUM ASEC IN |
08CHENNAI33 | HHS SECRETARY SWINGS THROUGH SOUTH INDIA [...] (SBU) Summary: The Honorable Michael O. Leavitt, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS),visited three of South India's largest cities from January 7-9, 2008. The visit provided the Secretary an opportunity to promote the importance of assuring SIPDIS product safety in an increa [...] | 2008-01-29 10:47:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL ECON TBIO SENV AMED KSCA PHUM KCRM SOCI IN |
08CHENNAI359 | FALLOUT FROM GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS HITTING SOUTH INDIA, [...] (SBU) Summary: Our contacts in South India remain largely optimistic about the longer-term trajectory of the region's economy, but they are bracing for a rough ride in the short-term. Banks are tightening credit, importers are facing rising costs as the rupee drops, and exporters are not benef [...] | 2008-10-24 00:47:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EINV ETRD IN |
08CHENNAI378 | INVESTMENT IN SOUTH INDIA CONTINUES, AS DO JITTERS ABOUT [...] (SBU) Assistant US Trade Representative Michael Delaney met on November 10 with business leaders from key sectors of South India's economy, urging progress on the WTO Doha Round and assessing how the region's business are weathering the current economic slowdown. While all of Delaney's interloc [...] | 2008-11-14 07:45:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ENRG ETRD EINV PGOV IN RU |
08CHENNAI394 | ANDHRA PRADESH CONGRESS USES IRRIGATION PROJECT TO WOO [...] (SBU) Summary: The Chief Minister of South India's Andhra Pradesh state recently laid the ceremonial foundation stone for what would be India's largest lift irrigation project. With 437 miles of canals and tunnels, the $7.7 billion project seeks to irrigate 1.64 million acres of drought-pron [...] | 2008-12-05 07:57:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV EAGR PGOV IN |
08CHENNAI73 | INDIA'S THIRD FRONT LOOKS TO AN ALLIANCE WITH LEFT PARTIES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: A senior leader of the United National Progressive Alliance (the "UNPA" or "Third Front") told post that they are moving towards an alliance with India's Left parties. Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu explained that the UNPA and Left parties are motivat [...] | 2008-02-26 11:11:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PHUM ECON IN |
08CHENNAI86 | DMK INSIDER SAYS CIV-NUKE WILL GO FORWARD; EXPECTS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Tamil Nadu Minister for Electricity and Rural Industry Arcot Veerasamy told post that he expects the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) to move forward on the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. Veerasamy's comments merit attention because he is DMK leader M. [...] | 2008-03-07 09:52:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON ENRG IN |
08CHENNAI97 | U.S. NUCLEAR TEAM VISITS SOUTH INDIA ATOMIC RESEARCH [...] (SBU) Summary: A six-member delegation from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) visited on March 3-4 the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR) near Chennai as part of a 10-day visit to India that also included a stop in Mumbai to discuss nuclear safety issues with counterpa [...] | 2008-03-14 06:56:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG ECON PARM KNNP PGOV TRGY IN |
08CHENNAI99 | NEW AIRPORTS IN HYDERABAD AND BANGALORE WILL BRING [...] (SBU) Summary: The new airports slated to open in the next several weeks in both Hyderabad and Bangalore promise to bring world-class modernity and comfort to air travelers in South India. The opening of the new airports will also close the cities' current airports for commercial aviation, one [...] | 2008-03-14 10:46:00 | Consulate Chennai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAIR ETRD EFIN PREL PGOV IN |
08CHIANGMAI114 | THAI MARKET TURNS TO AFRICAN RUBIES AS SMUGGLING OF BURMESE [...] (SBU) The long and porous border of the Mae Sot area with Burma, and proximity to the Burmese gem mines, have made this region historically a center for the smuggling of Burmese gems. However, imported African rubies now dominate local markets in Mae Sot. Retailers say Burmese rubies are too e [...] | 2008-07-22 09:50:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV ECON ETRD PGOV EINV TH BM CH |
08CHIANGMAI128 | NORTHERN THAILAND CREATES A SPACE FOR U.S. INVESTMENT [...] Northern Thailand boasts many attributes that are attractive to foreign investors, including low labor and land costs, making the region an inviting alternative to the growing costs of operating in Bangkok. Moreover, favorable tax incentives in the north, combined with sophisticated transporta [...] | 2008-08-26 09:51:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAGR ECIN ECPS EFIN EIND EINV ELAB ELTN CH |
08CHIANGMAI140 | RELOCATIONS HURT HILL TRIBE AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY, [...] (SBU) Agriculturally-dependent hill tribe or highland people in northern Thailand have become economically strained by forest conservation and drug control policies adopted by the Thai government in the last several decades. These policies have had success in conservation and counternarcotics [...] | 2008-09-10 07:18:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON SOCI SNAR PHUM TH |
08CHIANGMAI149 | CONSULATE PROMOTES ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NORTHERN THAILAND [...] Post promoted entrepreneurship and small and medium enterprise (SME) development in northern Thailand through a one-day seminar entitled "Encourage Entrepreneurship: Promoting SMEs in Northern Thailand." Business leaders, CG, and econoff addressed an audience of 80 students and faculty and 30 [...] | 2008-10-08 03:57:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ETRD TH |
08CHIANGMAI150 | CONSULATE PROMOTES ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NORTHERN THAILAND [...] Post promoted entrepreneurship and small and medium enterprise (SME) development in northern Thailand through a one-day seminar entitled "Encourage Entrepreneurship: Promoting SMEs in Northern Thailand." Business leaders, CG, and econoff addressed an audience of 80 students and faculty and 30 [...] | 2008-10-08 03:58:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ETRD TH |
08CHIANGMAI151 | CONSULATE PROMOTES ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NORTHERN THAILAND [...] Post promoted entrepreneurship and small and medium enterprise (SME) development in northern Thailand through a one-day seminar entitled "Encourage Entrepreneurship: Promoting SMEs in Northern Thailand." Business leaders, CG, and econoff addressed an audience of 80 students and faculty and 30 [...] | 2008-10-08 03:58:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ETRD TH |
08CHIANGMAI156 | PILOT PROJECT TACKLES CORRUPTION AT GRASSROOTS LEVEL [...] (SBU) Provincial Counter-Corruption Commissions in Lamphun and Sukhothai, launched a year ago as part of a pilot project that includes six other provinces, have had modest success in raising grassroots awareness to counter local government corruption. The project will ultimately be replicated [...] | 2008-10-15 04:04:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON KCRM KJUS BTIO TH |
08CHIANGMAI160 | HIGH-TECH LAMPHUN SHOWS COMPETITIVE POTENTIAL AND INVESTMENT [...] As host to many foreign high-tech manufacturing firms, the Northern Regional Industrial Estate (NRIE) of Lamphun province is both a model for the potential of northern Thailand as a producer of sophisticated electronics products as well as a reality check of the challenges foreign investors fac [...] | 2008-10-17 06:53:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ETRD ELAB EIND CH TH |
08CHIANGMAI163 | TOURISM SECTOR TRIES TO WEATHER POLITICAL STORM AT HOME, [...] The Chiang Mai tourism sector, thought of as one of the cornerstones of the local economy, is preparing to struggle through the upcoming tourist season expected to be affected by both the on-going political instability in Bangkok and the financial troubles abroad. Local hotels and tour compani [...] | 2008-10-24 14:01:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV EFIN ETRD PGOV PREL TH |
08CHIANGMAI169 | CROSS-BORDER MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE EXPANDS WITH GREATER MEKONG [...] (U) With the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) highway infrastructure project nearing completion, movement of persons and trade in services - not only trade in goods - across the northern Thai border is increasing. While the number of persons entering Thailand at Chiang Khong, the border point fo [...] | 2008-11-07 07:51:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ECPS EINV ELAB ELTN ETRD PREL EWWT BM CH |
08CHIANGMAI173 | BURMESE EXILES TELL STAFFDEL GROVE HUMANITARIAN SPACE WON'T [...] (C) Increased space for humanitarian relief work in the Irrawaddy Delta won't speed up political change, and the U.S. needs a strategy for change in Burma involving regional actors -- these were the two main messages prominent Burmese exiles conveyed to StaffDel Grove during his brief November [...] | 2008-11-14 09:22:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM KDEM EAID ECON SOCI BM CH TH |
08CHIANGMAI174 | WITHOUT BURMA, EAST-WEST CORRIDOR IS UNDERUSED AND [...] (SBU) Stretching 1,056 miles from Rangoon, Burma to Da Nang, Vietnam, the R2 highway remains incomplete, underused, and with little economic value to date. Though the Asian Development Bank (ADB),the mind behind this highway and the larger Greater Mekong Subregion infrastructure project, cons [...] | 2008-11-17 01:08:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ELTN ECIN EINV ELAB ETRD EWWT PREL BM VM |
08CHIANGMAI175 | THAIS SEE ECONOMIC BENEFIT FROM CONTRACT FARMING IN BURMA [...] (C) Thai contract farming is a growing feature of the Thai-Burmese bilateral economic relationship. The activity remains concentrated in the border areas, however. Thai businesspeople who engage in contract farming in Burma are generally individuals who conduct their business informally with [...] | 2008-11-20 10:01:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | CONFIDENTIAL | PINR ECON EAGR EAID ECIN EINV ETRD PREL BM TH |
08CHIANGMAI184 | LOWER NORTH LEADERS SAY NATIONAL STALEMATE HARDENING; DON'T [...] (C) Consul General discussed Thailand's national political impasse with local politicians during a trip to two lower north provinces just prior to the December 2 court ruling dissolving the governing People's Power Party. All interlocutors, in a trend reflective of similar conversations in th [...] | 2008-12-03 07:38:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM KJUS ASEC CASC ECON EINV TH |
08CHIANGMAI21 | CHANGE IN BURMA: NOW, OR IN THE DISTANT FUTURE? [...] (C) Change will not come to Burma for another 20 years if it does not come soon, was the prevailing sentiment among Burmese exiles over lunch with the Ambassador. Though there was disagreement among the group over whether steps could be taken to help effect short-term change, and whether the [...] | 2008-02-06 10:54:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV ECON SOCI TH BM |
08CHIANGMAI51 | SKILLED LABOR SHORTAGE, HIGH TRANSPORT COSTS HINDER [...] In meetings with the Ambassador March 18, business leaders highlighted a shortage of highly skilled labor and unusually high transportation costs as key obstacles to expanding development and American investment in northern Thailand. Local Thai business leaders echoed the calls of American fir [...] | 2008-03-28 09:27:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ELTN ETRD ETTC SOCI TH |
08CHIANGMAI52 | REGIONAL BUSINESS CONFERENCE ON LOGISTICS BRINGS TOGETHER [...] In an effort to promote development in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) logistics and transportation sectors and to underscore U.S. interest in deepening investment in the region, post hosted a conference on March 18-19 bringing together public and private sector representatives from across t [...] | 2008-03-28 09:40:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ELTN ECIN ETRD EWWT PREL TH BM CH LA CB |
08CHIANGMAI53 | CORRECTED COPY: SKILLED LABOR SHORTAGE, HIGH TRANSPORT COSTS [...] In meetings with the Ambassador March 18, business leaders highlighted a shortage of highly skilled labor and unusually high transportation costs as key obstacles to expanding development and American investment in northern Thailand. Local Thai business leaders echoed the calls of American fir [...] | 2008-03-28 09:47:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ELTN ETRD ETTC SOCI TH |
08CHIANGMAI72 | AS PRICES RISE, THE NORTHERN RICE BOWL EXPANDS [...] Northern Thai farmers expressed joy to us about rising rice prices during a recent trip by ECON staff to the lower northern provinces of Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and Phichit, collectively known as the "Rice Bowl of the North." Farmers and rice mill managers cited an over 50% increase in rice pr [...] | 2008-05-08 08:13:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PGOV PREL TH |
08CHIANGMAI86 | PIRATED GOODS DOMINATE NORTHERN THAI MARKETS [...] With sales of licensed intellectual property dropping 50 percent so far this year, pirated goods are deepening their stronghold in the Chiang Mai and upper northern Thai markets. Risks remain low for merchants to engage in the piracy business; thus, the legal market for DVDs, CDs, and software [...] | 2008-06-04 11:15:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ETRD PGOV TH BM |
08CHIANGMAI91 | REDUCED BURNING LESSENED AIR POLLUTION DURING DRY SEASON [...] Chiang Mai's notoriously polluted dry season showed markedly improved air quality conditions from last year. Although the causes of March and April pollution remain the same (crop burning, forest fires, and vehicle emissions),government efforts to make the public more aware of the dangers of [...] | 2008-06-09 10:13:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV ECON EAGR ECIN TH BM CH LA |
08CHIANGMAI96 | AFTER NARGIS, A BORDER TRADE BOOM IN THAILAND'S FAVOR [...] (C) Trade activity on the Thai-Burma border is bustling as demand for relief supplies remains high in Burma after cyclone Nargis. Thai exports to Burma through Mae Sot increased 75% last month compared to May 2007, and officials do not expect export volumes to drop to normal levels anytime soo [...] | 2008-06-23 07:03:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ETRD PREL EINV EAID EAGR TH BM |
08CHIANGMAI97 | REMITTANCES FROM THAILAND LIFT INCOMES IN BURMA [...] (SBU) Remittances transferred from the one-to-two million Burmese migrant workers in Thailand are an important source of income for their families in Burma. With migrant workers transferring about half of their incomes to their relatives in Burma, anywhere from $375 million to $1 billion could [...] | 2008-06-23 09:59:00 | Consulate Chiang Mai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN PREL PHUM EAID EIND ELAB ETRD TH BM |
08CHISINAU1001 | MOLDOVA: FINANCING FOR DEVELOMENT [...] No summary [...] | 2008-10-07 11:53:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON EFIN PREL MD |
08CHISINAU1016 | PRIME MINISTER DISCUSSES MOLDOVAN-U.S. [...] (C) Summary: During an October 8 meeting with DAS David Merkel, Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanii underlined the importance of moving forward on an MCC Compact agreement as soon as possible. Merkel discussed Moldova's trafficking in persons (TIP) efforts; the Prime Minister vowed the GOM woul [...] | 2008-10-09 15:06:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECON EAID KDEM MD |
08CHISINAU1017 | ECONOMY MINISTER DESCRIBES PROGESS AND [...] (C) Summary: During Ambassador Chaudhry's October 6 courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Igor Dodon, the Minister explained that the GOM had privatized over 90 percent of land and 80 percent of enterprises following independence. Since then Moldova had succeeded in [...] | 2008-10-10 05:47:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EPET RS MD |
08CHISINAU113 | MOLDOVA'S ECONOMY RESILIENT IN 2007 [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Moldova's economy remained resilient in 2007, overcoming the negative impacts of Russian trade bans, higher tariffs for natural gas and a devastating drought. Although GDP growth was less than forecast (below 4 percent) and inflation was higher than projected (13.1 percent),for [...] | 2008-02-06 14:14:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PGOV MD |
08CHISINAU1144 | ECONOMIC MINISTER DESCRIBES MINIMAL [...] (C) Summary: During Ambassador Chaudhry's November 13 meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Igor Dodon, the Minister explained that the global financial crisis had not affected Moldova initially. Moldova might face the return of some citizens working abroad in the EU a [...] | 2008-11-21 12:39:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EPET RS MD |
08CHISINAU1159 | MOLDOVA RECEIVED DEMARCHE CONCERNING [...] No summary [...] | 2008-11-28 13:48:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EAGR TBIO EAID PGOV MD |
08CHISINAU1273 | GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS IN MOLDOVA [...] Summary: Moldova's underdeveloped banking sector and stock market and the absence of speculative capital have enabled the country to avoid any initial shock from the global economic crisis. Quite the opposite, the country is set to finish 2008 with seven percent GDP growth and record high l [...] | 2008-12-30 08:22:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAGR EINV EFIN ETRD PGOV KTDB MD |
08CHISINAU151 | MOLDOVA: TROUBLE ON THE DANUBE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Progress at the port of Giurgiulesti, Moldova's sole access to the Danube River, continues with the construction of additional berths for unloading bulk cargo and grains, and a grain storage facility. In 2007, the port's oil terminal opened, receiving the first shipment of gasol [...] | 2008-02-14 12:21:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EWWT PGOV MD |
08CHISINAU171 | MOLDOVA: CHISINAU CAUGHT IN A COMMUNIST TRAP [...] (C) SUMMARY: The opposition-controlled Chisinau municipal government is struggling with the decision of its Communist Party (PCRM) predecessor to increase and subsidize heating tariffs for all residents of the capital city. Although the current Chisinau city council attempted to cancel these [...] | 2008-02-21 08:37:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV PREL MD |
08CHISINAU190 | TRANSNISTRIAN BUDGET BATTLE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On February 20, the Transnistrian (TN) Supreme Soviet (parliament) voted to override the Executive's partial veto of the 2008 budget law (reftel). The Supreme Soviet stood firm on measures which limit the Executive, forcing the transfer of revenues generated by ministries and ex [...] | 2008-02-25 08:35:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PBTS PGOV PREL MD |
08CHISINAU270 | MOLDOVAN LEU UP AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR [...] (SBU) The Moldovan Leu (MDL) continues its steady appreciation against the USD. On March 11, the National Bank of Moldova's (NBM) official exchange rate (set for accounting purposes) was MDL 10.9357 per USD and MDL 16.7924 per Euro. Year-on-year the MDL has appreciated 16.7 percent against th [...] | 2008-03-11 13:58:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AFIN ECON EFIN PGOV MD |
08CHISINAU272 | GOM WILLING TO BUY ELECTRICITY FROM TRANSNISTRIA [...] (C) SUMMARY: Minister of Industry Vladimir Antosii said that the Moldovan Government (GOM) was willing to buy electricity from Transnistria (TN) and that price, not politics, would drive any future decision to do so. Antosii confirmed that Moldova's contract with Ukraine for supplies of elect [...] | 2008-03-12 12:12:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV PREL PBTS MD |
08CHISINAU372 | MOLDOVA'S NEW ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING LAW [...] (C) SUMMARY: In July 2007, in response to concerns from the international community about insufficient anti-money laundering (AML) safeguards in the Government of Moldova's (GOM) tax and capital amnesty law, Parliament adopted USG-drafted amendments and a new, modern AML law. The GOM and regu [...] | 2008-04-02 12:30:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PREL PGOV MD |
08CHISINAU417 | PRESIDENT VORONIN PUSHING FORWARD ON TRANSNISTRA SETTLEMENT [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an April 14 meeting with DAS David Merkel and the Ambassador, President Voronin focused predominantly on Transnistria, underlining repeatedly that settling this conflict was Moldova's most pressing issue. Voronin said he had presented proposals for confidence-building measures [...] | 2008-04-16 14:25:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PBTS ECON MD |
08CHISINAU418 | FIRST QUARTER TRANSNISTRIAN TRADE GROWS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Government of Moldova's (GOM) Transnistrian (TN) trade data show significant increases in certified exports (+30%) and imports (+22%) documented by the Moldovan Customs Service (MCS) in the first quarter. Since January, 26 more TN companies have registered with Chisinau, inc [...] | 2008-04-16 14:48:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PGOV PBTS ETRD MD |
08CHISINAU419 | MOLDOVA: DAS MERKEL'S MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an April 14 meeting with Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanii, DAS David Merkel expressed the USG's continued support for Moldova and a resolution to the Transnistrian (TN) conflict, noted Greceanii's positive reputation in Washington and Brussels as a reformer, and thanked her for [...] | 2008-04-16 14:53:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PBTS ECON MD |
08CHISINAU427 | MOLDOVA: GAZPROM INCREASES GAS PRICES [...] (C) SUMMARY: On April 15, the Moldovan national energy regulator (ANRE) confirmed that Gazprom had increased the price of natural gas supplied to Moldova from USD 191 per thousand cubic meters (tcm) to USD 213 per tcm, an 11% increase. ANRE also noted that consumer tariffs would not increase [...] | 2008-04-17 13:32:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV PBTS ENRG MD |
08CHISINAU48 | TRANSNISTRIAN BUDGET AND RUSSIAN AID: POLITICAL [...] (C) SUMMARY: The gap between Transnistria's (TN) legislature (Supreme Soviet) and President Igor Smirnov widened further, as the Supreme Soviet reduced appropriations for the Executive in the 2008 budget. Speaker Yevgeny Shevchuk and his Obnovlenie (Renewal) party continue to ascend, enjoying [...] | 2008-01-17 09:48:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV PBTS PREL MD |
08CHISINAU49 | TRANSNISTRIAN BUDGET AND RUSSIAN AID: POLITICAL [...] (C) SUMMARY: The gap between Transnistria's (TN) legislature (Supreme Soviet) and President Igor Smirnov widened further, as the Supreme Soviet reduced appropriations for the Executive in the 2008 budget. Speaker Yevgeny Shevchuk and his Obnovlenie (Renewal) party continue to ascend, enjoying [...] | 2008-01-17 09:48:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV PBTS PREL MD |
08CHISINAU510 | MOLDOVA SEES NO PROBLEM WITH VOTING FOR HULEBAK AT THIS [...] No summary [...] | 2008-05-13 09:44:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR ECON ETRD TRIO KPAO PREL MD |
08CHISINAU536 | MOLDOVA RECEIVES THE PRESIDENT'S GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY [...] No summary [...] | 2008-05-21 14:14:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EAGR EAID ECON TBIO MD |
08CHISINAU537 | MOLDOVA RECEIVES REQUEST TO END FOOD STAPLE EXPORT [...] No summary [...] | 2008-05-21 14:16:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EAGR ECON TBIO MD |
08CHISINAU564 | NEW MOLDOVAN FINANCE MINISTER WANTS TO CUT SPENDING [...] (C) SUMMARY: Moldova's new Finance Minister, Mariana Durlesteanu, a reformer appointed by Prime Minister Greceanii, faces the challenge of rising inflation and an opaque budget process. A non-partisan technocrat, she wants to balance the government's budget and rationalize expenditures accord [...] | 2008-05-30 13:03:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV PHUM MD |
08CHISINAU579 | UKRAINE AND MOLDOVA SOLVE THAT DAM PROBLEM [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Moldova and Ukraine reached a settlement on the disputed ownership of the Novodnestrovsk hydroelectric power plant, which spans the Dniester River and partially sits on Moldovan territory. In return for Chisinau's recognition of Ukraine's full ownership of the power plant, Kyi [...] | 2008-06-03 10:43:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PBTS PREL ENRG ECON UA MD |
08CHISINAU68 | TRANSNISTRIAN POLITICAL ECONOMY: THE CASE OF MMZ [...] (C) SUMMARY: Despite the economic and political challenges of doing business in Transnistria (TN),Moldova Metal Works (MMZ) managed to produce a record volume of steel in 2007. The case of MMZ highlights the complicating role that economic interests play in negotiating a resolution to the TN [...] | 2008-01-25 14:44:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PBTS PGOV PREL MD |
08CHISINAU765 | A TOUR D'HORIZON WITH PRESIDENT VORONIN [...] No summary [...] | 2008-07-18 13:35:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PBTS ECON PINR KWMN MD |
08CHISINAU786 | 3-PLUS-2 MEETING GIVES IMPULSE TO [...] (C) Summary: The July 21-23 meeting of observers and mediators to the 5-plus-2 process (known as the 3-plus-2) was successful in giving greater impulse to the working groups. The US, EU, OSCE, and to a lesser extent Ukraine reps repeatedly stressed the need for starting work on the political [...] | 2008-07-28 12:34:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PBTS ECON OSCE MD |
08CHISINAU788 | Moldovan Concern about Gazprom Takeover of Union Fenosa [...] (C) Moldovan Prime Minister Greceanii (please protect) asked for an urgent one-on-one meeting with CDA July 28 to voice her concern about possible Gazprom takeover of the Spanish firm Union Fenosa, which controls about 70 percent of electricity distribution in Moldova. 2. (C) Greceanii sai [...] | 2008-07-28 14:38:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV MD |
08CHISINAU846 | RUSSIAN ENERGY GIANT COMPLETES TAKEOVER [...] (C) Summary: On August 1, Russian energy giant Inter RAO EES announced that it had completed acquisition of 100 per cent of shares in the Moldovan State Power Plant located in Kuchurgan, Transnistria, landing yet another major Transnistrian industrial site in Russian hands. This transaction [...] | 2008-08-20 14:19:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG EPET PREL PBTS RS MD |
08CHISINAU851 | No Moldovan Candidates for Maktoum Entrepreneurs' [...] No summary [...] | 2008-08-22 12:31:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PGOV PREL MD |
08CHISINAU89 | MOLDOVA INCREASES TARIFFS, GAZPROM TO RAISE PRICES [...] (C) SUMMARY: Following Gazprom's price increase on January 1, Moldova was forced to increase tariffs for electricity, heating and natural gas for power generators and consumers. Moldova now pays USD 191 per thousand cubic meters (tcm) for natural gas, up from USD 170/tcm in 2007 (reftel). Howe [...] | 2008-01-30 12:36:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PGOV PREL MD |
08CHISINAU90 | GAZPROM AND MOLDOVAN (TRANSNISTRIAN) GAS DEBTS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Gazprom continues to press Moldova to repay its debts to Gazprom, which have been mostly accrued by Transnistria (TN). One possible solution, a debt-for-share swap with Gazprom's obtaining more MoldovaGaz shares is gaining momentum. Gazprom remains concerned about property right [...] | 2008-01-30 12:44:00 | Embassy Chisinau | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG PBTS PGOV PREL MD RU |
08CHISINAU999 | MOLDOVA: FINANCING FOR DEVELOMENT DEMARCHE [...] No summary [...] | 2008-10-07 09:24:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON EFIN PREL MD |
08COLOMBO1055 | SRI LANKA: AVIAN INFLUENZA PREPARATIONS CONTINUE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Sri Lankan health officials continue preparations to prevent an Avian Influenza (AI) outbreak in country. Repeated incidence of the disease in the region places Sri Lanka at risk of AI. Animal health authorities maintain monitoring activities while the Ministry of Health has [...] | 2008-11-24 11:27:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KFLU TBIO KSTH ECON PREL SOCI EAGR CASC WHO CE |
08COLOMBO1062 | GUIDANCE NEEDED ON 699(G) RESTRICTIONS APPLIED TO [...] (C) In a meeting with Ambassador on November 25, Foreign Minister Bogollagama informed post that two U.S. defense contractors, a Kuwaiti company affiliated with the U.S.-based Oshkosh Corp and DynCorp International, had instituted hiring restrictions on Sri Lankan expatriate workers in Kuwait [...] | 2008-11-26 04:55:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECON SMIG KTIP ELAB CE |
08COLOMBO1063 | AUSTR DELANEY'S VISIT TO SRI LANKA [...] (U) Summary: Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South Asia Michael Delaney visited Sri Lanka November 11-14 to engage with key government and business leaders, to discuss issues related to U.S.- Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework Agreement talks, and to review labor issues raised in [...] | 2008-11-26 07:51:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD EINV PGOV CE |
08COLOMBO1073 | SRI LANKA: AUSTR DELANEY DISCUSSES LABOR AND THE AFL-CIO [...] (U) Summary: During a November 11-14 visit, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (AUSTR) Michael Delaney met with key Sri Lankan government officials and local trade union representatives to discuss the June 2008 AFL-CIO petition to USTR that alleges Sri Lanka's labor laws do not comply with i [...] | 2008-11-28 03:01:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ECON ETRD EINV EAID PGOV KMCA CE |
08COLOMBO1075 | MALDIVES 2009 BUDGET PRESENTED; 2008 DEFICIT INCREASES [...] (SBU) On November 25, Ali Hashim, Maldives Minister of Finance and Treasury, presented the GORM budget for 2009, proposing a total expenditure of Rf 13.6 billion (approx. USD 1.1 billion). Revenue is estimated at Rf 7.9 billion (USD 0.6 billion),resulting in a deficit of about Rf 5.8 billion [...] | 2008-11-28 05:57:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EAID MV |
08COLOMBO1076 | MALDIVIAN PRESIDENT NASHEED REQUESTS $8-10 MILLION [...] (U) This is an Action Request. Please see paragraph 5. 2. (C) Maldivian President Nasheed telephoned Ambassador the morning of November 27 to request a USG loan of 8 to 10 million U.S. dollars to help bridge a financial shortfall the Maldivian Government faces to meet its budgetary obligat [...] | 2008-11-28 06:30:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN PREL ECON EAID MV |
08COLOMBO108 | FY08 BIOTECHNOLOGY OUTREACH STRATEGY AND DEPARTMENT [...] Post appreciates the opportunity to request funding for biotechnology outreach programs in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is at a turning point with respect to biotechnology. The country has regulations to label, regulate and control the import of Genetically Modified (GM) foods, as well as to regulat [...] | 2008-01-29 11:29:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO KPAO |
08COLOMBO1118 | SRI LANKA LIKELY SUPPORTIVE OF PROPOSED GLOBAL [...] Econ Chief delivered reftel points to Additional Secretary for Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services AAR Ratnayake on December 8. Although Ratnayake could not pledge full GSL support for the Global Partnership for Agriculture and Food (GPAF),she stated Sri Lanka would be in favor of [...] | 2008-12-09 01:35:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EAID ECON ETRD PGOV TBIO CE |
08COLOMBO1123 | SRI LANKA PASSES 2009 BUDGET [...] Summary: (SBU) Parliament easily passed the 2009 GSL budget on December 8, one month following President Rajapaksa's presentation of the draft on November 6. This is Rajapaksa's fourth budget since coming into office in 2005 on a platform of poverty reduction, steering investment to disadvan [...] | 2008-12-09 11:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PGOV MARR KMCA CE |
08COLOMBO1127 | SRI LANKA: AMBASSDOR EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT [...] (SBU) Ambassador met with Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal on December 9 to express concern about the Supreme Court's interim order halting CPC hedge payments to banks (reftel). Ambassador noted that the ruling not only causes difficulty for Citibank and the other banks involved, but coul [...] | 2008-12-10 11:36:00 | Embassy Colombo | SECRET | ECON EINV PGOV CE |
08COLOMBO1133 | SRI LANKA: FINANCING HARDSHIPS IN NEW YEAR [...] (SBU) Summary: Sri Lanka's macroeconomic outlook for 2009 is weakening. In November Central Bank reserves declined, for the fourth straight month, to around $2 billion, or less than 2 months of imports. The trade deficit in the first ten months expanded by 78%, and the Central Bank (CB) expe [...] | 2008-12-15 11:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PGOV KMCA CE |
08COLOMBO120 | SRI LANKA: TOURISM DOWN 12% IN 2007; COULD HAVE BEEN [...] Summary: The escalating ethnic conflict continues to hurt the Sri Lankan tourism industry, which experienced a 12% decrease in visitors in 2007 compared to 2006. Industry representatives have mixed assessments of the possible impact of the recent escalation of violence and the consequent bad [...] | 2008-01-31 10:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD EFIN PTER CE |
08COLOMBO133 | MALDIVES ECONOMY GREW BY 6.6% IN 2007 [...] (SBU) Summary: In 2007, Maldives economy grew by 6.6%, marking a return to its pre-tsunami growth path. Tourism drove the growth, with visitors up 12% to over 675,000. Tourism-related activities, such as transport and communications, and construction of new resorts, also contributed to growt [...] | 2008-02-05 10:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EAID MV |
08COLOMBO193 | SRI LANKA: EXPORTS TO U.S. DECLINE BUT STILL NINE TIMES [...] (U) Summary: The United States merchandise trade deficit with Sri Lanka in 2007 was $1.84 billion. Sri Lanka's exports to the United States were $2.1 billion, while U.S. exports to Sri Lanka were $227 million -- a ratio of about nine-to-one. The EU replaced the United States as Sri Lanka's l [...] | 2008-02-25 11:24:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD EFIN EAID CE |
08COLOMBO237 | MALDIVES: FISCAL TRANSPARENCY REPORT [...] (U) The following is the text of Embassy Colombo's fiscal transparency report for Maldives. 2. (SBU) Begin text: The Government of Maldives practices generally good economic management. It has not achieved a high degree of budgetary transparency, but this is due to capacity limitations, [...] | 2008-03-10 11:47:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON PGOV PREL MV |
08COLOMBO238 | SRI LANKA: FISCAL TRANSPARENCY REPORT [...] (U) The following is the text of Embassy Colombo's fiscal transparency report for Sri Lanka. 2. (SBU) Begin text: Sri Lanka has achieved a substantial degree of fiscal transparency in areas such as legal and administrative framework, compilation and reporting of fiscal accounts for the ce [...] | 2008-03-10 11:49:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON PGOV PREL CE |
08COLOMBO366 | SRI LANKA: 2007 GDP GROWTH REPORTEDLY 6.8%; FITCH [...] (SBU) Summary: Sri Lanka continued its healthy economic growth in 2007, reporting a 6.8% increase in real gross domestic product for the year. Weaknesses in the government's statistical methodology suggest the actual growth figure may have been lower, probably closer to 6%. The reported outco [...] | 2008-04-09 11:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV EFIN KMCA CE |
08COLOMBO370 | SRI LANKA: RAIN HURTS RICE CROP; PRICES RISE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Torrential rains are damaging paddy yields in the main rice growing areas of Sri Lanka, with as many as 15,000 hectares lost. Domestic prices are up in wholesale markets and sharp increases in retail prices have started and will continue unless international supplies can be as [...] | 2008-04-10 02:49:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV KCOR KMCA PGOV CE |
08COLOMBO412 | SRI LANKA: PDAS CAMP ENCOURAGES PROGRESS ON HUMAN [...] (C) Summary. During his April 21-22 visit to Colombo, SCA PDAS Don Camp highlighted to GSL officials that despite the long-standing friendship between our countries, continuing human rights abuses place limits on our cooperation. PDAS Camp pressed for the release of TMVP child soldiers and [...] | 2008-04-28 04:02:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS ECON CE |
08COLOMBO428 | RESPONSE: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD PRICES - SRI LANKA [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The impact of rising food prices is affecting all households in Sri Lanka. Recent jumps in prices of rice and other food commodities have come on top of 20% domestic inflation rates. In the past year, food commodity prices are up 50-100%, and the trend is continuing. On averag [...] | 2008-04-30 11:37:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV EAGR KMCA PGOV CE |
08COLOMBO450 | SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT SEEKS LOWER BORROWING COSTS BY [...] (SBU) Summary and comment: Seeking to reduce government borrowing costs, Sri Lanka opened ten percent of its short-term local currency Treasury bill market to foreign investors. The Central Bank calculates, accurately it appears after the first day of trading, that offering the 3-12 month de [...] | 2008-05-09 04:59:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON EINV KMCA CE |
08COLOMBO453 | SRI LANKA SAYS PURCHASE OF BURMESE RICE WILL GO THROUGH; [...] (SBU) Summary: Sri Lanka's Secretary of Trade and Commerce assured the public that he expected a purchase of 22,000 metric tons of rice from Burma to go ahead, despite the impact of Cyclone Nargis. The purchase was part of Sri Lanka's effort to fill a domestic shortage of about 300,000 metric [...] | 2008-05-09 07:50:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAGR EAID BM CE |
08COLOMBO461 | SRI LANKA: POLICE RAID VENDORS OF PIRATED SOFTWARE [...] (SBU) Summary: On May 6, Sri Lankan police raided software dealers in a popular shopping mall in Colombo. The raid was Sri Lanka's first intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement action against pirated software dealers. With uncommon swiftness, offenders were raided, charged, pleaded g [...] | 2008-05-12 11:48:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD KIPR EAID CE |
08COLOMBO504 | ICAO'S NINETEENTH AVIATION SECURITY PANEL MEETING - SRI [...] No summary [...] | 2008-05-27 05:01:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR ECON ETRD PREL PTER CE |
08COLOMBO509 | SRI LANKA: EMBASSY MAKES HEADWAY ON LETTERS OF CREDIT FOR [...] (SBU) Summary: Following Ambassador's intervention with senior presidential advisor Basil Rajapaksa, the Government of Sri Lanka has acted to resolve its longstanding failure to provide standby letters of credit to U.S. investor AES. AES operates a $104 million 163 megawatt power plant in Co [...] | 2008-05-28 11:21:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV PGOV PREL CE |
08COLOMBO527 | SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT RAISES FUEL PRICES BY RECORD AMOUNTS [...] (SBU) Summary and comment: On May 25, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Sri Lanka's state-owned oil company, raised diesel and gasoline prices by an unprecedented 37% and 23% respectively. This is the second CPC fuel price increase in 2008, bringing prices to double the level of two years ago [...] | 2008-06-02 11:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV EAGR PGOV CE |
08COLOMBO552 | SRI LANKA'S EASTERN PROVINCIAL COUNCIL CONVENES; [...] (C) SUMMARY: Sri Lanka's new Eastern Provincial Council was sworn in June 4 despite an opposition boycott. Since the announcement of Chief Minister Pillaiyan's appointment, tensions have remained high between the Muslim and Tamil communities in the East with targeted political assassination [...] | 2008-06-05 12:10:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR EAID PTER PHUM MOPS ECON EINV |
08COLOMBO58 | INVESTMENT CLIMATE STATEMENT, 2008 - MALDIVES [...] Per reftel, below is the investment climate statement for Maldives for 2008. INVESTMENT CLIMATE STATEMENT-MALDIVES FEBRUARY 2008 Investment Climate --Introduction Maldives is comprised of over 1,190 islands, of which 198 are inhabited and 95 are exclusive resort islands. The popu [...] | 2008-01-14 02:57:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | KTDB OPIC ECON USTR EINV EFIN ETRD ELAB PGOV MV |
08COLOMBO609 | SRI LANKA: U.S. INVESTOR AES RECEIVES LONG- OVERDUE LETTERS [...] (SBU) Summary: U.S. power producer AES has received two long-overdue standby letters of credit to protect against non-payment by the state-owned Ceylon Electricity Board. Issuance of the letters of credit mostly resolves the Embassy's top priority advocacy case, which Ambassador has pressed [...] | 2008-06-24 11:31:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV PGOV PREL CE |
08COLOMBO61 | INVESTMENT CLIMATE STATEMENT, 2008 - SRI LANKA [...] No summary [...] | 2008-01-14 10:32:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | CE ECON EFIN EINV ELAB ETRD KTDB OPIC PGOV USTR |
08COLOMBO638 | SRI LANKA: POWER SECTOR BADLY NEEDS REFORM, [...] Summary: The state owned Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is the primary provider of electricity to Sri Lanka. The company is plagued with inefficiencies and a spiraling debt. Sri Lanka is dependent on petroleum products to produce 60 percent of its electricity. The price of production is sky [...] | 2008-07-02 11:36:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ENRG EINV KCOR KMCA PGOV CE |
08COLOMBO648 | SRI LANKA OIL EXPLORATION: CAIRN INDIA GETS FIRST BLOCK [...] (SBU) Summary and comment: Sri Lanka, in its first ever offshore oil exploration licensing round, will award a block to Cairn India Ltd. The round attracted six bids from three companies (none American),for the three blocks on offer. Against the advice of the Petroleum Resources Development [...] | 2008-07-07 08:43:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EPET ECON EINV CE |
08COLOMBO652 | MALDIVES: DAS FEIGENBAUM ENCOURAGES REFORM AND [...] (C) Summary. On July 2, SCA Deputy Assistant Secretary Evan Feigenbaum held meetings in Male' with government officials, civil society, the UN, and opposition groups to urge progress on democratic reform and free and fair multi-party elections in coming months. Government officials, includ [...] | 2008-07-08 09:15:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM EINV ECON MV |
08COLOMBO656 | MALDIVES: DAS FEIGENBAUM ENCOURAGES REFORM AND [...] (C) Summary. On July 2, SCA Deputy Assistant Secretary Evan Feigenbaum held meetings in Male' with government officials, civil society, the UN, and opposition groups to urge progress on democratic reform and free and fair multi-party elections in coming months. Government officials, includ [...] | 2008-07-08 10:56:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM EINV ECON MV |
08COLOMBO662 | SRI LANKA: INDIAN GOVERNMENT AND FIRMS INVEST IN SRI LANKA [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Indian government and Indian parastatal and private firms are lending to or investing in a number of major infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka. Projects that have been in the discussion stage for some time are gaining momentum as the two sides prepare deliverables for the [...] | 2008-07-10 10:22:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV PREL CE IN CH |
08COLOMBO666 | SRI LANKA: GENERAL STRIKE BRINGS INCONVENIENCES [...] (U) SUMMARY: Public sector unions, led by the JVP, had only modest impact with a planned general strike July 10, with most public and private service functioning nearly normally. The unions sought higher wage increases than what the government was willing to give. While high inflation is the [...] | 2008-07-10 11:11:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL PTER PHUM ECON CE |
08COLOMBO686 | MALDIVES: AMBASSADOR PRESSES FOR SPEEDY [...] (C) Summary: In a meeting with the Ambassador on July 15, Foreign Minister Shahid stressed the need for additional enabling legislation -- in advance of President Gayoom's signature on the constitution -- that will allow the police forces to continue to legally operate. He said the President [...] | 2008-07-18 05:34:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM ECON MV |
08COLOMBO719 | MALDIVES: EMPLOYMENT BILL RATIFIED AMID CONCERNS [...] (U) Summary: The President of Maldives recently ratified an employment bill which sets new rights and responsibilities for workers including a minimum wage, a limit on weekly working hours, and the establishment of an institution to resolve employment-related disputes. The legislation was cri [...] | 2008-07-25 05:19:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ELAB EAID ETRD PHUM SOCI MV |
08COLOMBO721 | SCENESETTER FOR A/S BOUCHER'S VISIT FOR THE 15TH [...] (C) Summary and Introduction: Your visit for the 15th SAARC Summit finds most SAARC member countries preoccupied with domestic issues. After surviving a no-confidence vote, the Indian government is looking ahead to national elections next year, and frustrated that last minute objections from [...] | 2008-07-25 08:04:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS PINR ECON CE MV |
08COLOMBO730 | SRI LANKA: TREASURY SECRETARY OFFERS TO RESIGN FOLLOWING [...] (SBU) Summary: On July 28, P. B. Jayasundera, Treasury Secretary, handed in his resignation following a Supreme Court judgment that severely criticized his role in the privatization of Lanka Marine Services (LMS),a government-owned bunkering company. Jayasundera, Rajapakse's primary economic [...] | 2008-07-29 12:38:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ECON EINV KCOR KMCA PGOV CE |
08COLOMBO735 | Pakistan-Sri Lanka FTA Presents Opportunities for U.S. [...] (U) Summary: Trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has increased significantly following signing of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement in June 2005. Total trade in 2004 was valued at USD 147.4 million; by 2007 it grew to USD 233.4 million, an increase of 58 percent. As tariffs are re [...] | 2008-08-04 09:31:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD EAID CE PK |
08COLOMBO746 | MALDIVES: SUCCESSFUL AMERICAN PAVILION AT MAJOR HOTEL AND [...] This is an action request for EEB/CBA. Please see para six. 2. Summary: Post is pleased to report the successful conclusion of the embassy-organized American Pavilion at an international trade fair in Maldives July 15-17, 2008. The American Pavilion once again helped to increase U.S. ex [...] | 2008-08-07 12:00:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | BEXP BTIO ENIV ABUD ECON MV |
08COLOMBO753 | SRI LANKA: GSL WEAKENS CORRUPTION OVERSIGHT BY APPOINTING [...] (SBU) Summary: In a move that is likely to encourage further government corruption, chairmanships of Sri Lanka's parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) were recently awarded to government ministers. These committees have been traditionally [...] | 2008-08-13 08:55:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV KCOR PGOV CE |
08COLOMBO76 | SRI LANKA: INFLATION 17.5% IN 2007; CENTRAL BANK SAYS [...] (SBU) Summary and comment: Sri Lanka's inflation remained high in 2007, averaging 17.5% for the year after spiking to around 20% at times. Consumers and business both felt the impact, with food and fuel prices rising most steeply. Correspondingly high interest rates compounded the pain. The [...] | 2008-01-16 11:58:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EAID CE |
08COLOMBO783 | SRI LANKA: DUE DILIGENCE FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S 2008 [...] We appreciate the continued consideration of Virtusa as a candidate for the Secretary's Awards for Corporate Excellence. We continue to support fully this company for the ACE. 2. Our response to ref A is keyed to the questions in para 4: A) The Embassy knows of no downside to Virtusa beco [...] | 2008-08-22 05:54:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BEXP ECON AMGT ELAB ETRD SENV AFIN KSEP CE |
08COLOMBO811 | MALDIVES DEMARCHE DELIVERED: INSTRUCTIONS TO DISCUSS PSIDS [...] (SBU) We conveyed on August 21 reftel points on our position on the Pacific Small Islands Developing States (PSIDS) resolution to Third Secretary Mohamed Niyaz at the Maldives High Commission in Colombo. We followed up this week with First Secretary Lauza Ali for a substantive response on Augu [...] | 2008-08-28 09:49:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | UNGA SENV AORC KGHG PREL ECON CE |
08COLOMBO812 | MALDIVES DEMARCHE DELIVERED: INSTRUCTIONS TO DISCUSS PSIDS [...] (SBU) We conveyed on August 21 reftel points on our position on the Pacific Small Islands Developing States (PSIDS) resolution to Third Secretary Mohamed Niyaz at the Maldives High Commission in Colombo. We followed up this week with First Secretary Lauza Ali for a substantive response on Augu [...] | 2008-08-28 09:49:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | UNGA SENV AORC KGHG PREL ECON CE |
08COLOMBO821 | SRI LANKA: IMF CONCERNED ABOUT ECONOMIC POLICY [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: During a meeting with Econoffs, IMF officials visiting Sri Lanka for "Article IV" consultations privately expressed concerns about Sri Lanka's persistently high inflation, various fiscal problems, and external imbalances. Taken together, these signs from the Sri Lankan economy [...] | 2008-09-02 01:59:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN EINV ECON KMCA CE |
08COLOMBO850 | SRI LANKA VENTURES INTO NANOTECHNOLOGY [...] Summary: The Sri Lankan business community and the government will establish Sri Lanka's first-ever attempt at public-private partnership in research and development with the establishment of a nanotechnology research and development institute and a nanotechnology park. The venture, which aim [...] | 2008-09-09 10:40:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ETRD PREL CE |
08COLOMBO92 | SRI LANKA: TEXTILE AND APPAREL SECTOR CONCERNS FOR 2008: [...] (U) Summary: Sri Lanka's garment sector remains healthy, but is concerned about the possible impact of a U.S. recession. An even more pressing worry is the possibility of losing preferential access to the EU market under the EU's GSP+ program. The industry is frustrated that the government [...] | 2008-01-24 11:39:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD KTEX CE |
08COLOMBO922 | SRI LANKA: ECONOMY GROWING, BUT PROBLEMS REMAIN [...] (U) Summary: Despite the war, Sri Lanka's GDP grew by a respectable 6.6% in the first half of 2008. The Sri Lankan rupee (SLR) remains relatively steady due to Central Bank intervention. Other key macro indicators weakened. Inflation remains high at 24.3%. The trade deficit expanded sharply [...] | 2008-10-07 11:50:00 | Embassy Colombo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD KMCA CE |
08CONAKRY109 | THE AUDITS ARE OUT - SORT OF [...] (U) Following an alleged order from President Conte calling for the PM to release the results of ministerial audits by February 6, Acting Government Spokesperson Saidou Diallo, who is also the Minister of Economic Control, announced that the final results of the Guinean Government,s ministeri [...] | 2008-02-11 15:09:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON PREL ASEC GV |
08CONAKRY110 | GUINEA ASKS FOR HELP TO ALLEVIATE ECONOMIC [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Guinean Minister of Foreign Affairs urgently requested a meeting with the Ambassador in order to request help in dealing with rising prices for basic foodstuffs. The Ambassador responded with tough questions about corruption and the government's new export ban on foodstuffs [...] | 2008-04-17 12:34:00 | Embassy Conakry | CONFIDENTIAL | ASEC EAGR EAID ECON EPET ETRD GV PGOV PREL |
08CONAKRY112 | HYPERDYNAMICS, A FIRM AT ODDS WITH ITSELF [...] (C) SUMMARY. Divisions are becoming apparent at Hyperdynamics, while concerns about possible FCPA violations continue to surface. The top management of the company know little about what is going on in Guinea and have virtually ignored political insights provided by the Embassy. With virtu [...] | 2008-02-12 12:09:00 | Embassy Conakry | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ECON EPET PGOV KCRM PREL GV |
08CONAKRY114 | GUINEA'S POWER COMPANY SHORTING OUT [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. A tour of Conakry's main power plant and meetings with The Electric Company of Guinea illustrate the extent of the country's electricity problem and why it is nearly impossible to meet popular demands. The company's equipment is old, unreliable, and for the most part, broken [...] | 2008-04-18 05:28:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PGOV GV |
08CONAKRY126 | ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SEURITY ACT INFORMATION [...] (U) Pursuant to REFTEL, Embassy Conakry provides the following requested information. 2. (U) QUESTION: Which sections of Embassy Conakry handle energy matter? RESPONSE: Energy matters are handled by the Ambassador, the Pol/Econ section, and by the DCM. 3. (U) QUESTION: What is the to [...] | 2008-02-15 12:35:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ENRG SENV APER ABUD GV |
08CONAKRY133 | UPDATE TO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY ACT INFORMATION [...] (U) Post sends additional information to supplement the report we sent (reftel B) in response to reftel A request. 2. (U) QUESTION: Please provide the amounts of State Department funds, spent by Post in FY 2007 on energy-related activities in two categories: Personnel and Programs. RESPO [...] | 2008-02-26 07:00:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ENRG SENV APER ABUD GV |
08CONAKRY134 | END OF GAS SUBSIDY NOT NIRVANA FOR GUINEA [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. The termination of the gasoline subsidy on April 1 has not led to the projected increase in revenue to the government. END SUMMARY. 2. (SBU) ) On April 23, Econoff met with Elhadj Alpha Yaya Diallo, the Chef de Bureau for the gasoline depot in Conakry. Diallo stated that [...] | 2008-04-24 13:42:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EPET PGOV GV |
08CONAKRY14 | POLITICAL SITUATION TENSE, BUT GENERALLY CALM [...] (U) While political tensions remain high, business continued much as usual over the weekend. There were isolated demonstrations in a few neighborhoods, but things were generally quiet. Residents were seen in the markets stocking up on basic goods in anticipation of the nationwide strike, sc [...] | 2008-01-08 05:47:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ELAB ECON KDEM GV |
08CONAKRY152 | SYLLAH IN, SYLLAH OUT - WHO RUNS THE PATRONAT? [...] (U) SUMMARY. A few weeks ago, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed Mamadou Syllah as the head of the government's official delegation to the International Labor Conference in Geneva. On April 26, the MFA retracted the designation following heavy criticism from the media, the population [...] | 2008-05-02 11:40:00 | Embassy Conakry | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV PREL ELAB ASEC GV |
08CONAKRY163 | A PRIVATE CHAT WITH GUINEAN PRIME MINISTER LANSANA [...] (C) SUMMARY: On May 3, Ambassador Carter met with Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate at the EMR for 90 minutes. Kouyate, who was traveling to Kuwait that evening, had just come from a meeting with President Conte at his farm in Dubreka where the PM discussed plans for a possible cabinet reshuffle, and [...] | 2008-05-05 14:50:00 | Embassy Conakry | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON GV PGOV PHUM SNAR |
08CONAKRY176 | REGIONAL PRICE SURVEY - INSIGHTS INTO REGIONAL TRADE [...] (U) SUMMARY. An inter-Embassy regional price survey of select necessities in Guinea and its neighboring countries shows that while there is a rough parity in prices, significant differences remain. With respect to Guinea, the data illustrates why the GOG's newly imposed export ban is bad econo [...] | 2008-05-08 12:51:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EPET PGOV GV |
08CONAKRY178 | PLANT VISIT - TIMBER EXPLOITATION IN GUINEA'S FOREST [...] (U) On April 20, Ambassador Carter visited Foret Forte facilities in the heart of Guinea's forest region, about an hour outside the provincial capital of N'Zerekore. The Taiwanese-owned company has been harshly criticized for its alleged environmentally harmful logging practices as well as its [...] | 2008-05-09 10:16:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | GV EAGR ECON ETRD ELAB |
08CONAKRY179 | MASS TRANSIT BUSES FINALLY ARRIVE [...] (U) On May 9, local internet media reported that on May 8 the 100 long-awaited mass transit buses arrived in Conakry (REFTELS). Econoff witnessed the parade of at least 50 empty, freshly painted buses as they were being driven on a tour of Conakry. (NOTE: The tour of the buses also contribute [...] | 2008-05-09 10:18:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EPET PGOV GV |
08CONAKRY182 | GUINEA - AN ASSESSMENT, PART II [...] No summary [...] | 2008-03-05 15:34:00 | Embassy Conakry | SECRET | PGOV ECON PREL EAID SOCI SNAR PHUM KDEM GV |
08CONAKRY185 | GUINEA'S FUEL SUBSIDY: SOMETHING AFOOT - MAYBE [...] (SBU) According to a letter dated March 4, from the Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance, Karamokobe Camara, to the National Director of Customs, the Government of Guinea is extending the fuel subsidy only through Saturday, March 8. The last subsidy contract ended February 29 and they [...] | 2008-03-06 15:26:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EPET PGOV GV |
08CONAKRY194 | GUINEA - FISCAL TRANSPARENCY REPORT [...] Pursuant to REFTEL, Embassy Conakry provides the following requested information: 2. The Government of Guinea publishes budget and financial data, and systems are in place to record and report budget expenditures. The 2008 budget is published in book form, and is not/not available on the [...] | 2008-03-10 09:22:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAID PREL GV |
08CONAKRY199 | BUREAU VERITAS - RUMORS AND REALITY [...] SUMMARY. Guinea signed a contract with an international firm for the provision of transactional customs valuation services, which should increase customs collections and reduce fraudulent import practices. Meanwhile, a local business association is protesting the new service, because they sa [...] | 2008-05-16 11:36:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECIN EFIN ECON PTER EWWT GV |
08CONAKRY2 | LIVING ON LESS THAN $1 PER DAY - WHY ENDS DON'T MEET [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. From shoe shiners to accountants, an informal Embassy survey demonstrates just why Guinea is considered one of the poorest countries in the world. This snapshot of average salaries in both the private and public sectors illustrates all too clearly the substantial economic hards [...] | 2008-01-02 09:02:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECIN EFIN ECON EMIN GV |
08CONAKRY203 | FULANI VILLAGERS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE ECONOMY [...] SUMMARY. A recent road trip into villages throughout Middle Guinea reveals that villagers just thirty minutes off the main road are unaware that the Guinean Government is organizing legislative elections in six months. Villagers were generally preoccupied with basic cost of living issues an [...] | 2008-05-19 14:34:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON KDEM ASEC GV |
08CONAKRY21 | GUINEA CUTS FUEL DELIVERIES BY 40% [...] On March 14, Economic LES spoke with Elhadj Alpha Yaya Diallo, the chef de bureau for the gasoline depot in Conakry. Yaya Diallo stated that the Minister of Commerce issued a written instruction to Customs authorizing the delivery of only 600,000 liters of gas per day from the gas depot to c [...] | 2008-03-21 13:30:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EPET PGOV GV |
08CONAKRY22 | HOW CAN THE PRESIDENT CONTINUE TO WORK UNDER THESE [...] Summary. On January 8, Ambassador Carter met with the President of the National Assembly and several senior officials to discuss the political standoff between President Lansana Conte and Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate and the threat of a general strike January 10. The Assembly leaders displ [...] | 2008-01-09 07:42:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON ELAB GV |
08CONAKRY256 | GUINEA - REQUEST TO END FOOD STAPLE EXPORT [...] (SBU) On May 23, Ambassador Carter provided Guinea's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kabele Camara, with a translated version of the reftel note memoire regarding ending export restrictions. The Minister said that he generally supports the U.S. position and would take the USG position into cons [...] | 2008-06-02 11:16:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EAGR ECON TBIO GV |
08CONAKRY257 | GUINEA: GLOBAL MARITIME PARTNERSHIP STATUS [...] (U) Reftel requests that post solicit host country support for the Global Maritime Partnership (GMP). Guinea is fully engaged in the partnership and Embassy's Defense Attache Office is coordinating implementation of the GMP with the Guinean Government. Post will continue to work with the Govern [...] | 2008-06-02 11:18:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | EWWT EAID ECON EFIS MARR MCAP MOPS PHSA PINS SMIG |
08CONAKRY260 | GUINEA - AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY AS A TOOL TO [...] (SBU) Per reftel request, Ambassador Carter met with Guinea's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kabele Camara, on May 23 and provided him with a translated version of the note memoire on agricultural biotechnology. The Minister said that the GoG generally supports the USG on this issue and expres [...] | 2008-06-02 11:39:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EAGR ECON TBIO GV |
08CONAKRY28 | BUSINESS UNRUFFLED BY STRIKE THREAT - CONTE CRONY STILL IN [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Local businesses are confident that a negotiated settlement to the labor union strike threat will be accomplished tonight. Meanwhile, a Conte crony is not yet out of legal trouble. END SUMMARY. 2. (SBU) On January 9, Econoff met with members of the Conseil National du Patr [...] | 2008-01-10 05:57:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PGOV ELAB ASEC GV |
08CONAKRY288 | WORLD BANK RESREP VOICES CONCERNS ABOUT CURRENT [...] (C) SUMMARY. During a meeting with the Ambassador, the World Bank representative to Guinea confirmed rumors that the presidency had canceled the Rio Tinto contract. He also confirmed that the GoG used French assistance funds to pay off the mutineers. Finally, he shared his perspective on th [...] | 2008-06-12 15:12:00 | Embassy Conakry | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EAGR EFIN EMIN ETTC KDEM PGOV PREL GV |
08CONAKRY317 | KOUNDARA - ECONOMIC ACTIVITY AND COMMENTS ON THE EXPORT [...] (U) SUMMARY: In a visit to the northern town of Koundara the week of June 2, LES Asst Econoff met with local authorities, civil society organizations, and customs agents to discuss general economic activity and Guinea's agricultural export ban. Koundara is a major agricultural producer as well [...] | 2008-06-25 10:03:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON PGOV EAGR ETRD PREL GV |
08CONAKRY32 | CONTROL AND RESHUFFLING OF THE CENTRAL BANK - DON'T COUNT [...] SUMMARY. While a Conte loyalist is still at the helm of the Central Bank and providing President Conte with access, it appears that Prime Minister Kouyate has restricted access to the Bank by Conte's cronies. Meanwhile, the Central Bank Governor has reshuffled the organization of the Bank as [...] | 2008-01-11 07:32:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECIN EFIN ECON EMIN GV |
08CONAKRY34 | FSN NOMINATION FOR ECONOMIC TRAINING [...] Pursuant to REFTEL Embassy Conakry Embassy Conakry nominates the following Foreign Service National (FSN) for the Spring 2008 FSN Economic Training class to be held April 7- 18, 2008 at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, Virginia. 2. Name of FSN: [...] | 2008-01-14 13:21:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | AFSI ECON AMGT AFSN ETRD GV |
08CONAKRY348 | G8 AMBASSADORS BRIEF U.N. AND ECOWAS ON POLITICAL [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. The G8 ambassadors painted a bleak picture of the Guinea's political outlook for the U.N. Office for West Africa (UNOWA) and ECOWAS on Monday, July 7. The Ambassadors recommended that ECOWAS set several benchmarks to track the government's progress towards elections, and that [...] | 2008-07-09 15:12:00 | Embassy Conakry | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON SOCI ECOWAS GV |
08CONAKRY37 | PRESIDENT APPROVES FINAL 2008 BUDGET [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. At the end of December, President Conte signed the 2008 budget, with only slightly different figures from the original budget submitted by the Prime Minister in October. END SUMMARY. 2. (SBU) On December 27, President Conte signed Guinea's 2008 budget, improving over the [...] | 2008-01-15 12:14:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECIN EFIN ECON EMIN PGOV GV |
08CONAKRY453 | GUINEA PLANS LARGE RICE IMPORT TAX BREAK DURING [...] (U) SUMMARY. The GoG plans to grant tax exemptions to rice importers worth approximately $40 million for 600,000 metric tons of rice during the Ramadan season. However, the structure of the plan makes it vulnerable to corruption, and the aid therefore unlikely to reach those most in need. Co [...] | 2008-08-20 15:41:00 | Embassy Conakry | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EAID PGOV GV |
08CONAKRY454 | HYPERDYNAMICS IS BACK IN BUSINESS [...] (C) SUMMARY. Ending a period of rocky relations with the GoG, controversial oil-exploration firm Hyperdynamics will soon begin the next phase of operations after receiving renewed approval from the presidency. The firm has resumed advertising on local television, and reports that revision of [...] | 2008-08-20 15:44:00 | Embassy Conakry | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EPET PGOV KCRM PREL GV |
08CONAKRY48 | ECONOMIC HARDSHIP INCREASES AS PRICES RISE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Prices for basic necessities continue to rise in Guinea, contributing to persistent economic hardship and increasing desperation on the part of the average Guinean. Growing economic frustration coupled with generally high political tensions create an environment wherein the po [...] | 2008-03-26 14:38:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EPET PGOV GV |
08CONAKRY504 | ALLEGED STORY BEHIND SACKING OF MINISTER OF MINES [...] (C) SUMMARY. A senior FSN, and now a new GoG political appointee, shared some interesting insights into the inner workings of the Ministry of Mines. According to FSN, the former Minister of Mines (fired August 27) was one of the "good reformers." However, the minister was reportedly negoti [...] | 2008-09-08 15:57:00 | Embassy Conakry | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ECON PGOV ASEC GV |
08CONAKRY59 | GUINEA POC FOR MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANK [...] (U) Pursuant to REFTEL, Embassy Conakry identifies its Point of Contact (POC) for reviewing Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) proposals. 2. (U) Name: Kim Jordan Position: Economic Officer U.S. Embassy Conakry, Guinea Cellphone: Country code (224) 64 30 40 76 Emba [...] | 2008-01-22 12:19:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN EAID ECON EINV PREL GV |
08CONAKRY62 | PRICE OF FLOUR EXPLODES IN GUINEA [...] Post has independently confirmed the press report of a significant increase in the price of flour this week. The local press reported that the price of the 50 kg sack of flour went from 34.80 USD (150,000 GnF) to 48.83 USD (210,000 GnF) in just one week. This represents a 40% increase in the [...] | 2008-01-22 15:53:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECIN EFIN ECON GV |
08CONAKRY64 | GOG REDUCES FUEL SUBSIDY, PRICES RISE BY 62% [...] (U) Late in the evening on March 31, the Guinean Government announced that the country's fuel prices would increase from 4,300 GnF per liter to 7,000 GnF per liter ($.97/liter to $1.59/liter),effective midnight. So far, the population's reaction has been relatively quiet. There have been a [...] | 2008-04-01 14:08:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON PGOV ASEC PREL GV |
08CONAKRY651 | GOG DISPATCHES DELEGATION TO KAMSAR IN [...] (C) SUMMARY. The GoG sent a delegation to Kamsar and Boke on October 28 and October 30 in an effort circumvent mass demonstrations planned to begin November 1. The local population is threatening to destroy the railroad if their demands for running water and electricity are not met by Octob [...] | 2008-10-30 16:03:00 | Embassy Conakry | CONFIDENTIAL | EMIN ECON PGOV ASEC GV |
08CONAKRY678 | GOG NEGOTIATING WITH LABOR UNIONS TO END CIVIL [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Several ministers and members of the National Assembly met with union leaders last night in an attempt to negotiate an end to the civil disturbances that have crippled the capital since November 2. Negotiations are expected to continue today. The union leaders are willing to [...] | 2008-11-05 16:44:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ASEC PGOV ELAB GV |
08CONAKRY698 | YOUTHS PROTEST IN SIGUIRI, NEAR GUINEA-MALI BORDER [...] (U) On November 12, youths in Siguiri organized a mass demonstration against the local gold mining company, SAG (South African AngloGold Ashanti Ltd). Civil society leaders had written a letter to SAG last week requesting that the company improve its provision of electricity to Siguiri and s [...] | 2008-11-13 16:31:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ASEC PGOV ECON GV |
08CONAKRY70 | MASS TRANSIT FOR GUINEA ON THE HORIZON [...] SUMMARY. According to a government contact at the Ministry of Transport, mass transit for Conakry is reportedly coming within two months. END SUMMARY. 2. On March 26, Econoff met with the Director General at the Ministry of Transport, Mamoudou Diallo, to discuss the long awaited arrival [...] | 2008-04-02 15:13:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EPET PGOV GV |
08CONAKRY708 | BANK WORKERS ISSUE PRE-NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO [...] (U) On November 14, a union of private bank employees issued a pre-notification of intent to strike. In compliance with local law, the union must provide employers with a 10 day notice before commencing strike activity. If the union's demands are not satisfactorily addressed, the union may [...] | 2008-11-19 09:01:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ECON PGOV ASEC GV |
08CONAKRY709 | THE PATH TO HIPC COMPLETION AND DEBT RELIEF [...] (C) SUMMARY. As the GoG approaches the HIPC completion point, World Bank officials have expressed concern about the GoG's long-term commitment to reform, as well as Guinea's continued political instability. The Bank's visiting regional director solicited the Embassy's perspective on the curr [...] | 2008-11-19 13:43:00 | Embassy Conakry | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON AORC PGOV GV |
08CONAKRY711 | PROTESTS AGAINST LOCAL MINING COMPANY IN KOUROUSSA [...] (U) Two days of protests in Kouroussa (Upper Guinea) have forced the local gold mining company, SEMAFO, to temporarily call a halt to daily operations. Kouroussa is located approximately eight hours north of Conakry. The protests follow on similar demonstrations in Siguiri last week, and in [...] | 2008-11-19 14:00:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN ELAB ASEC ECON PGOV GV |
08CONAKRY725 | GUINEA STILL HAS NO 2009 BUDGET [...] (U) SUMMARY. With just one month left in the 2008 fiscal year and the National Assembly budgetary session only days away from expiring, the GoG has yet to finalize even a draft 2009 budget. Given the lengthy budgetary process, it is unlikely that a budget will be in place by the end of the fi [...] | 2008-12-01 14:28:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN PGOV GV |
08CONAKRY734 | 17 GUINEAN MINISTERS IN MECCA FOR PIGLRIMAGE [...] (U) The Guinean Government sent a delegation of 17 ministers, including the prime minister, on pilgrimage to Mecca this week. A western diplomat told the Charge that he had personally seen the group boarding two unidentified, private chartered airplanes at the national airport. A local inte [...] | 2008-12-05 09:59:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON ASEC GV |
08CONAKRY735 | BANK WORKER STRIKE PROMPTS 30% INCREASE IN SALARIES [...] (U) Following its November 14 pre-notification of intent (reftel),Guinean's union of private bank employees launched a nationwide labor strike on December first. By the following day, the union had reached an agreement with bank managers, which included a commitment to increase salaries by [...] | 2008-12-05 10:00:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PHUM ECON PGOV ASEC |
08CONAKRY74 | BUSINESS (AND POLITICS) AS USUAL IN GUINEA [...] (SBU) The 62% increase in fuel prices earlier this week appears to have generally been peacefully accepted by the population, at least so far. On the political side, bits and pieces of Guinea's political puzzle continue to develop. END SUMMARY. -------------------------------------------- [...] | 2008-04-04 12:39:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON ELAB PREL ASEC GV |
08CONAKRY80 | CONSUMER ORGANIZATION PLANS PROTEST FOR APRIL 10 [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. A local NGO for consumer protection is planning a large protest against high prices on April 10, anticipating participation at about 3,000 people. Plans were announced on BBC and the organization has reportedly distributed flyers. However, the umbrella civil society council p [...] | 2008-04-08 12:49:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON ASEC GV |
08CONAKRY81 | MINISTER OF MINES: CONTRACT REVIEW THUMBS UP, [...] (C) SUMMARY. The Minister of Mines provided a general overview of what Guinea needs for continued development. He also stated that the Government of Guinea will renegotiate mining and oil contracts, including the contract of U.S. company, Hyperdynamics. Meanwhile, Hyperdynamics continues t [...] | 2008-01-29 13:05:00 | Embassy Conakry | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EMIN ECON PGOV GV |
08CONAKRY82 | MARKET WOMEN READY TO TAKE TO THE STREETS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Econ LES recently canvassed a number of Conakry's market women on the current economic situation and possible peaceful demonstrations (reftel). Angry and frustrated, the women complained about rising food prices and their inability to make ends meet. All of them independently [...] | 2008-04-09 07:59:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PGOV ASEC GV |
08CONAKRY87 | GOVERNMENT RELEASES MINISTERIAL AUDITS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. On April 7, the Guinean Government finally released the audits requested by Prime Minister Kouyate last year to address alleged corruption. While the overall total amount lost, 45 million USD, has been known for some time (REFTEL),the release allows a closer inspection of eac [...] | 2008-04-14 05:32:00 | Embassy Conakry | UNCLASSIFIED | ECIN EFIN ECON EMIN PGOV GV |
08COPENHAGEN478 | GETTING TO YES WITH DENMARK ON AIR MARSHALS [...] (S) Overcoming deep-seated Danish opposition to U.S. Federal Air Marshals on flights to and from Denmark will require a coordinated, long-term effort from all U.S. agencies. Danish officials continue to evince skepticism about the severity of the threat, concerns about the implications of FAM [...] | 2008-09-08 11:15:00 | Embassy Copenhagen | SECRET | PREL PTER EAIR ECON DA |
08COPENHAGEN574 | DANISH BANKING/INDUSTRIAL TITANS DOWNBEAT ON [...] (SBU) At an October 27 dinner hosted by the Ambassador in honor of visiting Citi Chairman Sir Win Bischoff, Danish Central Bank Chairman Nils Bernstein was decidedly pessimistic in his assessment of Danish economic and banking sector prospects in the near-to-medium term. Speaking in an improm [...] | 2008-10-28 12:06:00 | Embassy Copenhagen | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN DA |
08COPENHAGEN617 | YOUR VISIT TO COPENHAGEN [...] (C) Madam Secretary, you know Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moller as a good colleague, and Denmark as one of our closest allies in Europe. Your "farewell" visit here is much appreciated by the Danes, who are naturally looking ahead to the incoming administration but are also keen to highli [...] | 2008-11-25 08:59:00 | Embassy Copenhagen | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV MARR ECON OVIP DA |
08COTONOU105 | COTTON HARVEST NUMBERS RELEASED AND ENDOSULFAN BANNED [...] SUMMARY: Benin's Cotton Stakeholders Association (AIC) estimates the mid-season 2007-2008 cotton harvest at 182,567 metric tons, accounting for about 65 percent of the estimated total production (Reftel). In other cotton news the GOB, citing environmental and health concerns, banned the import [...] | 2008-02-14 11:58:00 | Embassy Cotonou | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON PGOV BN |
08COTONOU151 | BENIN: COSTAL PROTECTION WORKS TO START - SEA POLLUTION [...] On February 26, 2008, President Boni Yayi officially launched construction of jetties which will fight coastal erosion along a 7.5 km stretch of eroding coastline located to the east of the Port of Cotonou (reftel). Francois Noudegbessi, the Minister of Urban Development, Land Reform and Coasta [...] | 2008-03-07 08:47:00 | Embassy Cotonou | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON SENV EPET KMCA BN |
08COTONOU161 | HIGH DEMAND FOR CEMENT CHALLENGES LOCAL CEMENT PRODUCTION [...] SUMMARY: Benin's cement plants are struggling to meet unprecedented high demands for cement from estate developers, road construction firms, and individuals. This situation exacerbated by the smuggling of cement to Nigeria has triggered a cement shortage in Benin. The GOB's tax exemption measur [...] | 2008-03-13 11:56:00 | Embassy Cotonou | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EIND EINV BN |
08COTONOU188 | BENIN - IMF FOURTH REVIEW, 4TH QUARTER 2007 [...] SUMMARY: An IMF team visited Benin, March 3-18, 2008 for the to review the country's economic performance in the last quarter of 2007. The team shared its generally favorable conclusions with international donors on March 18. However, the IMF team urged the GOB to continue to improve economic [...] | 2008-04-01 09:50:00 | Embassy Cotonou | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EIND EINV BN |
08COTONOU321 | YAYI ANNOUNCES 2008-2009 COTTON PRICES [...] SUMMARY: On May 25 2008, President Yayi personally announced the prices of raw cotton and inputs for the 2008-2009 campaign. To alleviate the negative impact of the surge in the price of oil on the cost of fertilizers, the GOB decided to subsidize fertilizers for the same period. This year, ra [...] | 2008-06-03 17:50:00 | Embassy Cotonou | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON PGOV BN |
08COTONOU456 | BENIN: AGOA POINTS OF CONTACT [...] Per reftel request, post hereby provides the following AGOA points of contact in Benin: Until the arrival in Benin of a new Political and Economic Officer, the backup AGOA point of contact is Marius C. Lotsu, LES Economic/Commercial Assistant. Tel. (+229) 21 300650; LotsuMC@state.gov BROW [...] | 2008-07-30 16:57:00 | Embassy Cotonou | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ML BN |
08COTONOU5 | GOB TAKES MEASURES AGAINST INFLATION [...] No summary [...] | 2008-01-03 07:44:00 | Embassy Cotonou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EFIN PGOV BN |
08COTONOU655 | BENIN: GOVERNMENT DIVESTS COTTON GINNING COMPANY [...] On September 18, the GOB announced the successful divestiture of the cotton ginning activities of the agricultural parastatal, SONAPRA. The SCP, ("Societe Commune de Participation") was provisionally declared successful bidder. They will create a public-private joint venture called SDC ("Soci [...] | 2008-10-20 06:03:00 | Embassy Cotonou | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON EINV PGOV BN |
08COTONOU656 | BENIN: GOVERNMENT DIVESTS COTTON GINNING COMPANY [...] No summary [...] | 2008-10-20 06:03:00 | Embassy Cotonou | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON EINV PGOV BN |
08COTONOU658 | BENIN: IMF FIFTH REVIEW [...] SUMMARY: From September 10-24, an IMF team conducted the fifth annual review of Benin's economic performance up until June 2008. On September 24, the team shared its generally favorable conclusions and some concerns which continue to threaten the GOB's efforts at sustained growth with internati [...] | 2008-10-20 06:12:00 | Embassy Cotonou | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EIND EINV BN |
08COTONOU659 | BENIN: IMF FIFTH REVIEW [...] No summary [...] | 2008-10-20 06:12:00 | Embassy Cotonou | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EIND EINV BN |
08DAKAR1011 | PRESIDENT WADE FIRES BUDGET MINISTER AFTER REVELATIONS OF [...] (SBU) Summary: During an August 7 cabinet meeting, President Wade fired Budget Minister Ibrahima Sarr and named Mamadou Abdoulaye Sow, a career Senegal Treasury official, as the new Minister. The Presidential decree to remove Sarr -- which came just hours after Wade met the IMF Resrep -- fol [...] | 2008-09-02 17:09:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON PGOV ETRD EAID KCOR SG |
08DAKAR1046 | FINANCE MINISTER REGAINS CONTROL OF SENEGAL,S UGLY [...] (S) Summary: During an August 25 courtesy call, Senegal's Finance Minister Abdoulaye Diop revealed to the Ambassador that he had "wrested control" of Senegal's public finances from the Budget Ministry, subordinate to the Finance Ministry. In doing so, the former budget Minister, and ally of [...] | 2008-09-10 17:31:00 | Embassy Dakar | SECRET | EFIN KCOR EAID ECON PGOV SG |
08DAKAR1100 | FARBA SENGHOR-GUILTY SAYS THE PROSECUTOR [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an impromptu fifteen minute meeting with Ousmane Diagne, the prosecutor who investigated former Transport and Cultural Affairs Minister Farba Senghor and his acolytes' alleged involvement in the trashing of two Dakar newsrooms, he told us that as far as the evidence is concern [...] | 2008-09-22 13:53:00 | Embassy Dakar | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PREL SOCI ECON PINR KDEM SG |
08DAKAR1140 | INVESTIGATING SENEGAL'S BUDGET BLACKHOLE [...] (C) Summary: A special investigative IMF team came to Senegal to look into a budget crisis caused by revelations of massive extra-budgetary commitments. To bring back even a semblance of balance, the government must cut USD 240 million in expenditures and raise USD 360 million. The IMF does [...] | 2008-10-03 11:15:00 | Embassy Dakar | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN KCOR PGOV PREL EAID ECON SG |
08DAKAR117 | SENEGAL: A CONTROVERSIAL RETURN TO BICAMERALISM [...] (SBU) Summary: Senegal's return to bicameralism, following a February 2007 amendment to the Constitution, was widely perceived as a huge waste of funds and driven by a desire to create privileges for a growing political class rather than strengthening the country's democratic architecture. Th [...] | 2008-01-29 16:42:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAKAR119 | PRESIDENT WADE CHAIRS NEPAD ROUND TABLE ON AFRICAN [...] SUMMARY: A donor round table was held in Saly-Portugal, Senegal on January 23-24, 2008 to discuss the priorities of the Infrastructure Component of NEPAD. President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal is the chairman on this component along with those of energy, environment, and information technology [...] | 2008-01-29 16:43:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EFIN ECON PGOV SG |
08DAKAR1190 | WESTERN DONORS EXPRESS CONCERNS ABOUT BUDGET AND [...] (SBU) Summary: Charge accompanied a delegation of Ambassadors and international organization representatives to the Prime Minister,s office on October 10 to seek an update and clarification of the GOS,s payment arrears, off-budget expenditures and plans for the Government to bring accounts in [...] | 2008-10-17 12:07:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL ECON EFIN SG |
08DAKAR1246 | SENEGAL'S ECONOMIC INDICATORS DROP AS THE GOVERNMENT [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Senegal continues to struggle to find the means to pay off its large stock of internal debt owed to private suppliers. The accumulated effects of financial indiscipline and adverse exogenous factors are negatively impacting projected GDP growth, inflation, and government defic [...] | 2008-10-31 07:41:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EINV ETRD EAID SG |
08DAKAR1282 | SENEGAL ACHIEVES MILESTONE IN RENEWED EFFORT TO ACHIEVE AN [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: By presenting comprehensive concept papers in a timely manner for important projects, including roads, irrigation, and judicial reform, Senegal has achieved an important milestone in its effort to sign an MCC Compact. MCC Vice President John Hewko told the MCA-Senegal Steering [...] | 2008-11-05 17:40:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID KMCA ECON EFIN EINV ETRD SG |
08DAKAR1285 | Rains Cause Flooding in Dakar's Suburbs [...] (SBU) Summary: Severe rainfall from June through late September 2008 destroyed hundreds of homes, leaving thousands of people homeless or displaced in the highly populated Dakar suburbs of Pikine, Thiaroye, Guediawaye, Medina Gounass, Diamaguene, Dalifort, and Yeumbeul. As a result of flash f [...] | 2008-11-06 17:05:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREF PGOV PHUM ECON SENV SG |
08DAKAR1298 | IMF MISSION HOPES FOR U.S. SUPPORT ON SENEGAL'S PSI AT [...] (U) This cable is sensitive but unclassified and should not be shared outside of approved USG channels. 2. (SBU) SUMMARY: Senegal's Policy Support Instrument with the IMF faces a critical Board Review and assessment in December. The Mission carrying out the second review of the program h [...] | 2008-11-10 14:55:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON EINV EAID SG |
08DAKAR1318 | GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS IMPACT ON SENEGAL [...] Summary: As the White House prepares to host the G-20 Summit to address current risks to the global economy, the likely impact on Senegal of the financial crisis is mixed. Neither Senegal nor the central bank of the Franc CFA monetary zone are holding the sophisticated mortgage and debt inst [...] | 2008-11-13 17:15:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON EAID EMIN SG |
08DAKAR1395 | Senegal-Former National Assembly Chairman Creates his own [...] (U) Summary: On December 2, the recently ousted Chairman of the National Assembly, Macky Sall, called a press conference at the Hotel Teranga to announce the creation of his party. He announced that his new party is APR-Yakaar (Alliance for the Republic and the Wolof word for hope-Yakaar). En [...] | 2008-12-04 14:38:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAKAR1401 | SENEGAL: FORMER PRIME MINISTER MACKY SALL [...] (C) Summary: On December 3 Political Counselor and PolOff met with the recently ousted president of the National Assembly, Macky Sall. The previous day Sall announced the creation of a new political party: the Alliance for the Republic Yakaar - APR Yakaar (Yakaar means hope in Wolof). Sall sa [...] | 2008-12-08 10:47:00 | Embassy Dakar | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS SOCI ECON PINR KDEM SG |
08DAKAR1431 | SENEGAL'S LATEST TREASURY BONDS; A CREATIVE APPROACH [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: In early December, Senegal launched a USD 40 million treasury bond offering as one part of the government's plan to pay off the debt it owes to private sector contractors. In marketing the bonds, the regional central bank and the Ministry of Finance reportedly promised subscrib [...] | 2008-12-16 14:52:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON EINV ETRD SG |
08DAKAR1432 | SENEGAL MEETS DEADLINE BUT PROBLEMS REMAIN AHEAD [...] (C) Summary: Senegal's Finance Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, has been scrambling to meet the prior actions and find new financing to cover the country's internal debt in advance of the IMF Board's judgment on the country's Policy Support Instrument (PSI) second review, scheduled for December 19. [...] | 2008-12-16 16:26:00 | Embassy Dakar | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN ECON EAID PGOV KCOR FR SG |
08DAKAR1444 | Senegal: Imams Call for Civil Disobedience [...] (SBU) Summary: On December 6, a group of imams (Muslim religious leaders) led a protest in the streets of the Guediawaye suburb of Dakar, to demand a reduction in the cost of electricity. They are threatening to refuse to pay their bills and to spread the protest by calling for the support of [...] | 2008-12-18 17:03:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ENRG ECON SG |
08DAKAR1450 | Senegal: Imams Call for Civil Disobedience [...] (SBU) Summary: On December 6, a group of imams (Muslim religious leaders) led a protest in the streets of the Guediawaye suburb of Dakar, to demand a reduction in the cost of electricity. They are threatening to refuse to pay their bills and to spread the protest by calling for the support of [...] | 2008-12-19 14:05:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ENRG ECON SG |
08DAKAR1476 | SENEGAL: Youth Shot Dead by Military During Demonstration [...] (SBU) On December 23, 21-year-old Mamdaou Sinna Sidibe was shot dead by military personnel during a violent demonstration to protest against the poor living conditions and the lack of jobs in the mineral rich region of Kedougou in southeastern Senegal. Mr. Sidibe was a metal worker heading to [...] | 2008-12-29 17:36:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM KDEM PINR ECON SG |
08DAKAR153 | SENEGAL'S ACCELERATED GROWTH STRATEGY - MOVING FORWARD OR [...] SUMMARY: On December 31, 2007, Senegal's National Assembly passed a law to speed up the implementation of one of President Wade's cornerstone economic policies, the Accelerated Growth Strategy (AGS). The legislation also combines the AGS' goals into Senegal's 2006-2010 Poverty Reduction Stra [...] | 2008-02-07 11:53:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EAID ETRD EINV SG |
08DAKAR176 | SENEGAL: ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM OR GERRYMANDERING? [...] (SBU) Summary: On February 1, Senegal's National Assembly passed a law to increase the number of administrative regions from 11 to 14, fulfilling an election promise that President Abdoulaye Wade made in February 2007. Described by Wade as an effort to bring government closer to citizens, oppo [...] | 2008-02-15 07:32:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAKAR183 | SENEGAL RESTARTS MCC EFFORT WITH POSITIVE STEPS [...] (SBU) Summary: After four years of missteps and missed opportunities, Senegal is again pursuing a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact, with some positive initial efforts. Responding to MCC criteria for re-engagement, Senegal has established a new counterpart agency and has agreed t [...] | 2008-02-15 12:49:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID KMCA PREL ECON MCC SG |
08DAKAR188 | SENEGAL: HESITANT REFUGEES RETURN TO MAURITANIA [...] (SBU) Summary: On January 29, a group of 101 Mauritanian refugees returned home voluntarily under the auspices of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). These refugees have been living in Senegal since being deported in 1989 by the Government of Mauritania. While some refu [...] | 2008-02-19 15:35:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREF PREL PINS KDEM PHUM ECON SG |
08DAKAR217 | PRESIDENT WADE CHAIRS NEPAD DONOR ROUND TABLE ON THE GREAT [...] SUMMARY: A donor round table was held in Saly Portugal, Senegal on February 12 - 13, 2008 to discuss the implementation of a $10.5 billion "Great Green Wall" that aims to develop a green belt from Dakar to Djibouti. President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal, as chairman of NEPAD's environmental co [...] | 2008-02-22 12:52:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EFIN ECON PGOV SG |
08DAKAR227 | SENEGAL COUNTING ON MITTAL TO JUMP-START THE COUNTRY'S [...] (U) SUMMARY: In a meeting with Econ Counselor, Mr. Birame Diouf, Managing Director of Miferso, Senegal's mining sector parastatal, explained details of Senegal's iron ore mining agreement with India's ArcelorMittal, as well as the status of a lawsuit brought by South Africa's Kumba Resources [...] | 2008-02-26 15:45:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EMIN ECON ETRD EINV ELAB SG |
08DAKAR236 | SENEGAL FOOD SECURITY THREATENED BY CEREAL AND FORAGE [...] SUMMARY: Senegal's food security for the remainder of the dry season in 2008 is threatened by the effects of late and erratic rains that ended early in many areas throughout Senegal in 2007. The net effect has been a reduced cereal crop (sorghum, millet and rice) and an acute shortage of fora [...] | 2008-02-28 15:40:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EAID ECON PGOV SG |
08DAKAR2437 | SENEGAL'S INFLUENTIAL MOURIDE LEADER DIES [...] (SBU) Summary: The extremely influential leader of the powerful Mouride brotherhood, Serigne Saliou Mbacke, died on Friday evening after 17 years in charge. He was 92 and the last surviving son of Mouride founder Cheikh Amadou Bamba. He has been succeeded as Khalife-General by his nephew Se [...] | 2008-01-01 00:03:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV PINS ECON KDEM KISL SG |
08DAKAR268 | SENEGAL: A NEW CYCLE OF VIOLENCE IN UNIVERSITIES [...] (SBU) Summary: Senegal's university students have begun using violent protests again to put pressure on President Abdoulaye Wade. Regular confrontations between the police and university students are reminiscent of the late '80s when the country was undergoing a profound malaise and desperate [...] | 2008-03-05 11:59:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAKAR386 | SENEGAL: POLICE CRUSH PROTEST AGAINST HIGH COST OF LIVING [...] (U) Summary: On March 30, two Senegalese consumer associations organized a demonstration against the steady rise of the costs of basic commodities and food staples. Riot police arrested the leaders of the two associations and used electric batons, tear gas, and riffle butts to forcefully bre [...] | 2008-04-01 13:02:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SOCI PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAKAR423 | SENEGAL CELEBRATES 48TH ANNIVERSARY IN MALAISE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On the eve of Senegal's April 4th Independence Day celebrations, President Abdoulaye Wade delivered his address to the nation during which he tried to galvanize the armed forces around a Pan-African defense concept and urged young people to be good citizens. Yet, he offered lit [...] | 2008-04-09 17:16:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAKAR424 | PRICE HIKES CHALLENGE SENEGAL'S SOCIAL STABILITY [...] SUMMARY: Senegalese, especially urban dwellers, are somewhat bewildered by the recurrence and scope of price hikes in local markets, supermarkets, and from specialty vendors. Price increases in gasoline, cooking fuel, vegetable oil, rice, sugar, cement, and transportation services have creat [...] | 2008-04-10 11:59:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD EFIN PGOV SG |
08DAKAR442 | IMF MISSION SHARES POSITIVE BRIEF WITH SKEPTICAL DONORS [...] (SBU) On April 9, an IMF mission shared with donors its mostly positive assessment of Senegal's economy and the first review of Senegal's Policy Support Instrument (PSI). Mission head Johannes Mueller claimed that Senegal's GDP growth increased from 2.3 percent in 2006 to 4.8 percent in 2007, [...] | 2008-04-16 15:20:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON EAID SG |
08DAKAR451 | SENEGAL-THE RETURN OF THE SUPREME COURT [...] (SBU) Summary: On April 8, the Senegalese National Assembly passed a law reforming the judicial system to reinstate a Supreme Court. According to the government, this will streamline the system by allowing budgetary savings and harmonizing jurisprudence. The Association of Judges called the [...] | 2008-04-18 10:16:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAKAR471 | RESPONSE: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES - [...] SUMMARY: Guinea-Bissau is a net importer of basic foodstuffs, most significantly rice. Rising world market prices and reduced local production due to poor rainfall are impacting availability and price. So far, there have not been demonstrations or unrest to protest the rising cost of living [...] | 2008-04-24 14:03:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON ETRD EFIN SOCI PGOV PU |
08DAKAR497 | WADE LAUNCHES GOANA AS RESPONSE TO FOOD SHORTAGES [...] (SBU) Summary: In response to increasing reports of current and future food shortages in Senegal (Reftels),on April 18, President Abdoulaye Wade launched a confusing and fiscally questionable initiative he claimed will address current food insecurity and greatly increase future agricultural p [...] | 2008-04-29 17:12:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV EAID EAGR PREL PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAKAR521 | SENEGAL: THE OPPOSITION'S THREATENS TO USE VIOLENT TACTICS [...] (SBU) Summary: On April 26, the youth movements of Senegal's opposition parties organized a demonstration to protest rising commodities prices. This heralds a new strategy for the opposition, which is looking to gain some political advantage from the government's poor economic policies. Unl [...] | 2008-05-06 12:32:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAKAR523 | RESPONSE ON IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES - [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Senegal's 2007-08 cereal deficit is estimated at 1.4 million metric tons (MT),a significant increase from previous years. The country could face a cereal shortage of 250,000-400,000 MT in the next six months and with low global stocks and high commodity prices, it is not know [...] | 2008-05-06 14:57:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ECON ETRD EFIN SOCI PGOV SG |
08DAKAR53 | SENEGAL-PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MAKES PEACE WITH [...] (SBU)Summary: With the mediation of the brand new Caliph-General of the Mouride Brotherhood, Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade and National Assembly speaker Macky Sall have apparently patched up their differences. What remains unclear is if this detente is a case of forgive and forget or ju [...] | 2008-01-14 11:35:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAKAR534 | SENEGAL'S UNIONS PREPARING MULTIPLE STRIKES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Fed up with President Abdoulaye Wade's confrontational attitude and refusal to communicate, Senegal's major unions are getting ready to strike. The country's main unions are preparing to hold a general strike, while teacher's unions have just announced that they will strike for [...] | 2008-05-08 17:17:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB SOCI PHUM PGOV PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAKAR566 | CAMEROON REGIONAL FOOD FOR PEACE OFFICER [...] Summary: Dakar-based Regional Food for Peace Officer (RFFPO) traveled to Cameroon from March 31 to April 11, 2008 to assess progress of the humanitarian programs and the living conditions of Central African Republic (CAR) and Chadian refugees in the country. Visits to various refugee sites [...] | 2008-05-15 16:13:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID PREL WFP SOCI NG EAGR MR ECON |
08DAKAR601 | ASECNA EVICTED FROM SENEGAL'S AIRPORTS - NEW POLICY FOR [...] This is an action request for PM/ISO and AF/W; see paras 10-11. 2. Summary: On May 10, following the previous day's announcement by Minister of Civil Aviation, Farba Senghor, the government of Senegal (GOS) took over operations of Senegal's airports, essentially kicking out the regional a [...] | 2008-05-23 12:26:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR ECON EFIN SG |
08DAKAR637 | SENEGAL: OPPOSITION LAUNCHES NATIONAL DIALOGUE [...] (SBU) Summary: Despite tremendous government pressure and intimidation against it, Senegal's main opposition has successfully kicked off a three- to six-month long National Dialogue (Assises National) to diagnose and propose solutions to the country's political, economic and social problems. [...] | 2008-06-03 15:36:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAKAR647 | SENEGAL: WADE WAGES FOOD FIGHT AGAINST FAO [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade continued his campaign against the FAO during the World Food Summit, calling for the UN agency to be disbanded. Many believe his attacks on the organization have more to do with domestic politics than international food aid policy. President Wa [...] | 2008-06-05 12:11:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV EAID EAGR PREL ECON UN FAO SG |
08DAKAR661 | IMF RESREP SPEAKS OUT ON SENEGAL'S BUDGET PROBLEMS [...] (SBU) Summary: During recent press interviews, IMF Resrep Alex Segura underscored growing concerns about Senegal's critical budget deficit. He stated that the deficit (currently estimated at more than USD 300 million) could weaken the economy and speculated that the government could have dif [...] | 2008-06-06 14:52:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON EAID PGOV SG |
08DAKAR714 | LOTS OF GAS BUT NO MONEY TO PAY FOR IT [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: In a meeting with Rogers Beall, CEO of oil and gas concern Fortesa International, he said his Senegal concession has proven natural gas reserves of 1 trillion cubic feet (TCF) and that they already have the capacity to deliver over 300,000 CF per day if and when the state electr [...] | 2008-06-18 13:45:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EPET BTIO ENRG EINV SENV ECON EFIN SG |
08DAKAR771 | WADE TAKES CONTROL OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY [...] SBU) Summary: On June 24, the National Assembly renewed its leadership. The changes further isolated the President of the National Assembly, Macky Sall, whose main supporters lost their positions. END SUMMARY. Harassing the Chair of the National Assembly ---------------------------------- [...] | 2008-07-01 13:23:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAKAR778 | SUDATEL SHOULD BRING A NEW DYNAMIC TO SENEGAL'S ICT [...] SUMMARY: According to sources from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Telecommunications, Sudanese telecommunications company Sudatel should begin its business operations and ICT infrastructure investment in Senegal in October 2008. Though Sudatel claims to be an independent, private firm, j [...] | 2008-07-02 10:24:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EINV EFIN ECON PGOV SG |
08DAKAR813 | SENEGAL'S JUNE BOND ISSUANCE FALLS SHORT [...] SUMMARY: On June 19, Senegal's Ministry of Finance launched two treasury debt products through the regional central bank. The result was disappointing for the government, with only USD 155 million purchased out of the total issuance of USD 238 million. The GOS is planning to use this revenu [...] | 2008-07-10 17:28:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON EINV PGOV SG |
08DAKAR824 | SENEGAL BALKS AT PASSING TERRORISM FINANCING LAW [...] (S) SUMMARY: The UEMOA Council of Ministers has approved a uniform law (directive) by the regional Central Bank for countering the financing of terrorism (CFT). The law has been forwarded to Senegal and other member states for ratification by country parliaments. According to Senegal's Finan [...] | 2008-07-15 11:57:00 | Embassy Dakar | SECRET | PTER KTFN ECON PGOV PREL KCOR SG |
08DAKAR825 | AN INSIDER'S CRITICAL VIEW OF PRESIDENT WADE'S [...] (S) SUMMARY: During a June 28 lunch at a local restaurant with Econ Counselor, one of President Wade's Financial/Economic Advisors, Habib Mbaye, quietly offered a starkly negative view of Wade's policies and priorities, and also the corrupt influence of the President's son, Karim. Mbaye (str [...] | 2008-07-15 11:58:00 | Embassy Dakar | SECRET | PGOV PREL KCOR ECON KMCA SG |
08DAKAR828 | WADE SEEKS TO EXTEND PRESIDENT'S TERM IN OFFICE [...] SBU) Summary: On July 11, the Legislation Committee of the National Assembly approved a draft constitutional Amendment that will extend the President's term from five to seven years. If approved by the Assembly plenary session in a week, it will still need to be passed by the Senate and subseq [...] | 2008-07-16 14:27:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAKAR852 | SENEGAL ASKS DONORS TO SPEED BUDGET SUPPORT AND TAXES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Government of Senegal (GOS) appears increasingly desperate to find the means to cover its current accounts deficit. At the request of the Minister of Finance, on July 10 the IMF Resrep sent an email to a number of donors imploring them to accelerate their disbursements of d [...] | 2008-07-22 17:03:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN EAID EAIR ECON PGOV SG |
08DAKAR866 | SENEGAL/TERRORISM FINANCING LAW - MORE CONCERNS [...] (S) Summary: Despite professional and perhaps personal risk, Senegal's Minister of Finance, via the IMF Resrep, wants the USG to know that President Wade does not want to move forward with required counter-terrorism financing legislation. Wade is reportedly worried about the enhanced invest [...] | 2008-07-28 07:48:00 | Embassy Dakar | SECRET | PTER KTFN ECON PGOV PREL KCOR SG |
08DAKAR917 | SENEGAL: PRESIDENTIAL TERM OF OFFICE INCREASED [...] (SBU) Summary: On July 28, the Senegalese National Assembly adopted a constitutional amendment to increase the presidential term of office from five to seven years. To end rumors that President Abdoulaye Wade was seeking to increase his term, the GOS finally inserted in the amendment a sente [...] | 2008-08-08 08:59:00 | Embassy Dakar | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS KDEM ECON SG |
08DAMASCUS132 | BUDGET DEFICIT THREATENS SYRIA'S ECONOMIC GROWTH [...] The 2008 Syrian budget typifies the lack of SARG transparency by significantly underreporting petroleum revenues, defense expenditures, and the cost of subsidies. Even though the official numbers are suspect, local economists agree that the SARG's acknowledgement of a 128-percent increase in t [...] | 2008-02-24 15:28:00 | Embassy Damascus | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN ENRG EPET PGOV SY |
08DAMASCUS142 | REACTIONS TO MAKHLUF DESIGNATION [...] (S) Summary: The February 22 designation of Rami Makhluf pursuant to E.O. 13460 generated considerable discussion, but Syrian media coverage has been minimal. Makhluf's defiant announcement on BBC Arabic radio that the designation was tantamount to a medal of honor was as close to an official [...] | 2008-02-26 16:33:00 | Embassy Damascus | SECRET | ECON EFIN EINV KCOR PGOV SY LE |
08DAMASCUS146 | CORRECTED COPY: REACTIONS TO MAKHLUF [...] (S) Summary: The February 21 designation of Rami Makhluf pursuant to E.O. 13460 generated considerable discussion, but Syrian media coverage has been minimal. Makhluf's defiant announcement on BBC Arabic radio that the designation was tantamount to a medal of honor was as close to an official react [...] | 2008-02-28 13:07:00 | Embassy Damascus | SECRET | ECON EFIN EINV KCOR PGOV SY LE |
08DAMASCUS149 | MAKHLUF PARNTER DETAILS DAMAGE CONTROL OPS INSIDE [...] (S) Summary: An Iraqi-British businessman with extensive dealings in Syria told us that his company is preparing to sever its relationship with Rami Makhluf's Cham Holding Company in an approximately USD 100 million joint venture (in which Cham Holding owns a 65 percent share) in response to [...] | 2008-02-28 16:20:00 | Embassy Damascus | SECRET | ECON EFIN EINV EPET ETTC PGOV SY KCOR |
08DAMASCUS177 | REVERBERATIONS CONTINUE FROM MAKHLUF DESIGNATION [...] (C) The continuing fallout from the designation of Rami Makhluf, President Asad's first cousin, has exposed nascent fissures in the Syrian business community. A senior Alawite told us he had already sold his own shares in Gulfsands and intends to completely divest from Cham Holding in order to [...] | 2008-03-13 17:36:00 | Embassy Damascus | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EINV EFIN KCOR PGOV SY |
08DAMASCUS226 | PRIVATE SECTOR EAGER TO ENGAGE VISITING [...] (C) From March 25-27, Post hosted Mr. Chuck Mills, CEO of Salera Capital, as a visiting State Department speaker. Despite lacking official approval from the Ministry of Culture, audiences from all strata of the Syrian private sector turned out for Embassy-scheduled events. While younger audie [...] | 2008-04-03 15:30:00 | Embassy Damascus | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EINV PPD SY KCOR |
08DAMASCUS307 | LABOR DAY WEEKEND, SYRIAN STYLE: DIESEL UP 357 [...] (SBU) In keeping with regime tradition, the SARG chose a holiday weekend to announce major changes in economic policy. In the middle of the three-day Labor Day weekend, the SARG increased the price of diesel fuel and butane gas by 357 percent and 72 percent, respectively. On the same day, Pr [...] | 2008-05-04 14:49:00 | Embassy Damascus | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG EPET ETRD PGOV SY |
08DAMASCUS311 | RESPONSE: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES - [...] (SBU) This cable responds to ref A. Although rising food prices do not portend an economic catastrophe in Syria, they are contributing to substantial economic and political pressure on the Asad regime. In the midst of a three-year drought, Syria's 2008 domestic wheat production is projected [...] | 2008-05-05 14:25:00 | Embassy Damascus | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR ECON EINF PGOV SY |
08DAMASCUS320 | SYRIAN REACTIONS TO INCREASE IN DIESEL PRICES [...] (C) The SARG's partial lifting of diesel subsidies and resulting price increases have produced a one-day strike by micro-bus drivers, a weeklong closure of private bakeries, breadlines at public bakeries, and a decision by many farmers to abandon their crops. In a continuing saga of government [...] | 2008-05-08 16:13:00 | Embassy Damascus | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON ENRG EPET PGOV SY |
08DAMASCUS376 | SYRIA AND UG99 DAMAGING WHEAT FUNGUS (C-TN8-00647) [...] (SBU) In response to ref A, ICARDA has not confirmed any reports of Ug99 stem rust in Syria. Should a possible outbreak occur, ICARDA's staff pathologist is capable of conducting in-house laboratory analysis to quickly determine whether the disease is Ug99. Although SARG Agriculture Ministry c [...] | 2008-05-28 10:28:00 | Embassy Damascus | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PINR EAGR ECON SY |
08DAMASCUS387 | FORCED LABOR AND CHILD LABOR IN THE PRODUCTION OF [...] Summary: The sectors of the Syrian economy that are involved in the production of goods are agriculture, petroleum, textiles, pharmaceuticals and refined food products. In 2007, fuel oil accounted for roughly 70 percent of Syria's USD 110 million in exports to the U.S., with the remaining 30 [...] | 2008-06-01 14:15:00 | Embassy Damascus | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ELAB ECON EIND PGOV SY |
08DAMASCUS518 | POLITICAL IMPACT OF SYRIA'S RECORD-LOW WHEAT [...] (SBU) The 2008 harvest of Syria's primary strategic crop -- wheat -- declined by 50 percent from 2007, primarily due to bad weather. For the first time in 15 years the SARG has turned to the international wheat market to compensate for the shortfall in supply. Even with this year's record-low [...] | 2008-07-20 05:24:00 | Embassy Damascus | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR ECON ETRD PGOV SY |
08DAMASCUS524 | FOREIGN TOURISM TO SYRIA UP 40 PERCENT IN 2008 [...] (C) At the mid-point of 2008, the Syrian economy is enjoying its best tourism season since 2002, and a 40 percent increase in foreign tourism over 2007. A local expert attributes the increase to a year of political stability in the region and a greater SARG investment in marketing Syria in Eu [...] | 2008-07-22 06:27:00 | Embassy Damascus | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ETRD PGOV SY |
08DAMASCUS559 | SUPPORTING SYRIA'S EMERGING PRIVATE SECTOR [...] (C) After 45 years of Baathist socialism, private enterprise is gaining momentum in Syria. Over the past 18 months, the SARG has enacted six major economic reforms that were long advocated by international consultants but bitterly resisted by Baath Party apparatchiks. Encouraged by the refor [...] | 2008-08-07 16:16:00 | Embassy Damascus | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN ETRD ETTC KCOR PGOV SY |
08DAMASCUS661 | SYRIAN AIR TO SELL ALL BOEING AIRCRAFT [...] (C) Syrian Air executives report that the airline's management intends to sell its two Boeing 747s and six Boeing 727s rather than attempt to overhaul them. They reported that the one remaining operational Boeing aircraft in the Syrian Air fleet, a 747, will be grounded on October 1, 2008, an [...] | 2008-09-18 15:05:00 | Embassy Damascus | CONFIDENTIAL | EAIR ECON ETRD PGOV FR SY |
08DAMASCUS70 | MAXIMIZING THE IMPACT OF RAMI'S DESIGNATION [...] (S/NF) As Washington moves towards designating Rami Makhlouf, Embassy Damascus recommends that the Department's roll-out strategy focus on linking his corrupt activities to consequences suffered by the Syrian people (see para 11). In some of the largest economic sectors -- electricity, petrol [...] | 2008-01-31 10:27:00 | Embassy Damascus | SECRET | ECON EINV EPET ETTC PGOV PINR KCOR SY |
08DAMASCUS727 | PART I OF A SERIES: IRANIAN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN [...] (SBU) This is the first cable in a three-part series examining Iranian economic activity in Syria. Iranian-Syrian economic cooperation is overstated by both the SARG and Iranian government in an attempt to create the public perception that a mutually beneficial economic relationship has resu [...] | 2008-10-16 16:19:00 | Embassy Damascus | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EPET ETRD PGOV IR SY |
08DAMASCUS73 | SARG STUMBLING THROUGH FUEL CRISIS [...] (C) Unseasonably cold weather, perhaps the coldest January in the last decade, has increased Syrian demand for heating fuels. Anecdotal information from Syrians, and our own observations, convey a situation in which increased demand, particularly for diesel (mazout),has exhausted supplies and [...] | 2008-01-31 17:18:00 | Embassy Damascus | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ENRG EPET PGOV SY KCOR |
08DAMASCUS735 | PART II OF A SERIES: IRANIAN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN [...] (SBU) This is the second cable in a three-part series examining Iranian economic activity in Syria. The largest Iranian investment projects in Syria are two car assembly plants that are struggling to break even just one year after opening. Several other projects touted as "investment" are ac [...] | 2008-10-21 13:57:00 | Embassy Damascus | SECRET//NOFORN | ECON EFIN EPET ETRD PGOV IR SY |
08DAMASCUS742 | PART III OF A SERIES: IRANIAN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN [...] (C) This is the third and final cable in a three-part series examining Iranian economic activity in Syria. The greatest interaction between the Syrian and Iranian private sectors results from Syria's historical importance in Shi'ism. Iranian religious pilgrims represent the largest single bl [...] | 2008-10-27 11:19:00 | Embassy Damascus | SECRET//NOFORN | ECON EFIN EPET ETRD PGOV IR SY |
08DAMASCUS847 | 2008 UN DROUGHT APPEAL FOR SYRIA [...] (SBU) This is an action request cable, see paragraph 7. 2. (SBU) SUMMARY: UNFAO (Food and Agriculture) Syria Representative Abdullah Bin Yehia is seeking USG commitment to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 2008 Drought Appeal. Yehia proposes to use money from the appe [...] | 2008-11-26 14:12:00 | Embassy Damascus | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR EAID ECON FAO PGOV PHUM PREF SY |
08DAMASCUS850 | SYRIAN AIR DEDICATES LAST FOUR PLANES TO HAJJ [...] (C) A Syrian Air ticketing agent told Embassy staff that the airline is currently operating just four of its fleet of 16 aircraft, due to its inability to obtain essential spare parts. From November 22 to December 9, Syrian Air is dedicating its four remaining operational Airbus A320s to flyi [...] | 2008-11-26 14:45:00 | Embassy Damascus | CONFIDENTIAL | EAIR ECON ETRD PGOV PREL SA SY |
08DAMASCUS862 | BAILING OUT THE SHAM: SARG CONTRACT RESCUES [...] (C) A reputable Syrian website reported that the SARG will supply Syrian public sector entities with "Sham"-model automobiles. The "Sham" (colloquial Arabic for Syria) is a Peugot-based sedan produced by a joint Syrian-Iranian assembly plant (SIAMCO) in rural Damascus that opened in 2007. B [...] | 2008-12-02 12:56:00 | Embassy Damascus | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EPET ETRD PGOV IR SY |
08DAMASCUS895 | DAMASCUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: THE CHANGE WE NEED? [...] (C) SUMMARY: The retirement of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce's long-serving chairman shook up the Chamber's November 2008 elections. SARG attempts to pressure the former chairman's son-in-law to step in as Chairman failed, as the remaining ten board members scrambled to re-form their cand [...] | 2008-12-18 15:08:00 | Embassy Damascus | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ELAB PGOV SY |
08DAMASCUS917 | REQUEST FOR SECTION 565 WAIVER OF PROHIBITION [...] (SBU) We have reviewed the requirements of Section 565 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for 1994 and 1995 (Public Law 1103-236) and reaffirm our position that it is in the best interest of the United States Government to request waivers to the Arab League Boycott Compliance Prohibitio [...] | 2008-12-30 15:38:00 | Embassy Damascus | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ABLD AFIN AMGT ASUP ECON KBCT PHUM AL SY |
08DARESSALAAM104 | SCENESETTER FOR PRESIDENT BUSH'S FEBRUARY 2008 [...] (SBU) Over the past two years, the U.S.-Tanzanian bilateral relationship has witnessed a sea change. With the election of a charismatic, pro-Western President, and increasing levels of U.S. assistance, cooperation has expanded in areas ranging from health and education to counterterrorism and [...] | 2008-02-11 18:53:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OVIP PREL PGOV EAID ECON TZ |
08DARESSALAAM14 | TANZANIA DECEMBER 2007 ECONOMIC ROUNDUP: EU TRADE [...] In this issue: - Concerns on EU Trade Agreement - Government Heavy Borrowing - GDP on the Rise, Standard of Living Stagnant - Counterfeit Mobile Phones Flood Shops ------------------------------- Concerns on EU Trade Agreement ------------------------------- 2. Following the si [...] | 2008-01-07 09:15:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN ETRD TZ |
08DARESSALAAM233 | TANZANIA MARCH 2008 ECONOMIC ROUNDUP: TOURISM, PRIVATE [...] In this issue: -- Tourism Overtakes Agriculture in Economy -- More Credit Extended to the Private Sector -- GOT Hires Consultants to Study Minimum Wage -- CTI Bemoans Barriers to EAC Trading -- President Kikwete to Attend Arusha Tourism Forum in May 2008 -- Sullivan Summit June 2 - [...] | 2008-04-10 12:55:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAGR ECIN EIND EINV ELAB ETRD TZ |
08DARESSALAAM275 | RESPONSE: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES-TANZANIA [...] Tanzania's annual inflation rose from 8.6 percent in January to 8.9 percent in February 2008, due mainly to higher food prices, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). NBS and the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) attribute the increasing inflation to higher average prices of cereals and c [...] | 2008-04-29 13:57:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAGR TZ |
08DARESSALAAM3 | AUSTR LISER DISCUSSES BOEING AND FLEET EXPANSION WITH AIR [...] (U) AUSTR Florie Liser learned from David Mattaka, Chief Executive Officer of Air Tanzania Company (ATC,) and three ATC Board Directors in a November 13 meeting in Arusha that the Board had recommended to the Government of Tanzania (GOT) to acquire Airbus A-320s (narrow body planes) to expand i [...] | 2008-01-02 14:04:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EFIN EAID ECON PREL TZ |
08DARESSALAAM370 | A/S FRAZER'S MEETING WITH PRESIDENT ARMANDO [...] (SBU) During the Leon H. Sullivan Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, met with President Armando Guebuza on June 3 to discuss the MCC compact, the effect of rising oil and food prices on Mozambique's economy, and how the Government of Mozambique [...] | 2008-06-17 20:20:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM ECON PGOV MZ TZ |
08DARESSALAAM380 | TANZANIA: FOLLOW-UP FUNDING REQUEST TO FY-08 BUSINESS [...] Post appreciates the funding from the Business Facilitation and Investment Fund (BFIF) to support the U.S. Embassy pavilion at the 2008 Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF)(Ref B). This year the Embassy has recruited numerous companies to participate in an expanded "Buy USA" pavilion [...] | 2008-06-19 15:22:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD EINV TZ |
08DARESSALAAM393 | TANZANIA: SCENESETTER FOR VISIT OF CODEL NELSON [...] (SBU) Over the past two years, the U.S.-Tanzanian bilateral relationship has witnessed a sea change. With the election of a charismatic, pro-Western President, and increasing levels of U.S. assistance, cooperation has expanded in areas ranging from health and education to counterterrorism and [...] | 2008-06-25 13:53:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV EAID ECON MOPS TZ |
08DARESSALAAM412 | STRONG USG REPRESENTATION AT TANZANIA'S SULLIVAN SUMMIT [...] The Leon H. Sullivan Foundation greatly appreciated The strong U.S. Government (USG) representation at the Eighth Annual Sullivan Summit held in Arusha, Tanzania from June 2 to 6. Led by a White House Delegation headed by Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, almost all USG departments [...] | 2008-07-04 04:41:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAID ETRD EINV TZ |
08DARESSALAAM472 | TANZANIA: FOLLOW-UP INFORMATION ON MAJOR ISSUES AT [...] This is an action request. See paragraph 4. 2. Post received the following Diplomatic Note CMB 291/466/01 from the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania (GOT) on July 21 in response to Ref B demarche requesting GOT support for the United States candidates for seats on the Universal [...] | 2008-07-29 16:40:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC ECON ETRD WTRO TZ |
08DARESSALAAM49 | AMBASSADOR GREEN AND PRESIDENT KIKWETE DISCUSS THE [...] (C) President Jakaya Kikwete told Ambassador Green January 16 that he is closely involved in the final stages of the discussions between the ruling CCM and the Civic United Front (CUF) parties to fine-tune the details of a power-sharing arrangement for the Government of Zanzibar that would go i [...] | 2008-01-18 13:08:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV KDEM PREL ECON KE TZ |
08DARESSALAAM492 | TANZANIA: JUNE - JULY 2008 POLITICAL ROUNDUP [...] (U) The June-July 2008 Political Roundup includes: -- Donors drag feet on direct budget support -- Former Regional Crime Officer on trial for murder -- CHADEMA party deputy killed in road accident -- Handicraft traders disappointed by Sullivan Summit -- Budget session in full [...] | 2008-08-08 08:26:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV KDEM PHUM PREL ECON TZ |
08DARESSALAAM493 | TANZANIA: GRAND CORRUPTION CASES' SLOW, NOT SO [...] (C) The Director of Tanzania's Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB),Edward Hoseah, told our Millennium Challenge Threshold Account coordinator that the PCCB has been give the go-ahead to indict several GOT officials in the Alex Stewart Assayers case, one of six grand corruption [...] | 2008-08-08 09:13:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV KDEM PHUM EFIN ECON TZ |
08DARESSALAAM536 | SCENESETTER FOR TANZANIAN PRESIDENT KIKWETE'S OFFICIAL U.S. [...] (SBU) Over the past three years, the U.S.-Tanzanian bilateral relationship has witnessed a sea change. With the election of a charismatic, pro-Western President, and increasing levels of U.S. assistance, cooperation has expanded in areas ranging from health, education, and natural resource man [...] | 2008-08-22 12:14:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL ECON EAID MARR TZ |
08DARESSALAAM650 | AGOA ELIGIBILITY REVIEW - TANZANIA [...] This cable is in response to reftel. 2. Country: Tanzania Current AGOA Status: Eligible Country Background Summary: Tanzania's population increased to approximately 40.3 million in 2007. 2007 Gross National Income (GNI) was $16.2 billion and GNI per capita was $400. Over the past tw [...] | 2008-10-09 06:41:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EAGR ECON PGOV PREL ELAB PTER TZ |
08DARESSALAAM809 | ANTI-CORRUPTION SHOCK AND AWE: EX-MINISTERS [...] (C) Summary. Two former cabinet ministers, one of whom is a sitting MP, were brought to court November 25 to face charges in the second of a series of grand corruption cases. The arrest of the two ministers was an encouraging surprise for the public and the donor community, both of which had b [...] | 2008-12-01 02:19:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM EFIN ECON TZ |
08DARESSALAAM839 | ZANZIBAR POWER: ELECTRICAL AND POLITICAL SHORTAGES [...] (U) SUMMARY: A two-week power outage on the number two Zanzibari island of Pemba has resulted in suspension of Zanzibar Energy Company (ZECO) Manager Juma Ishak Bakari. December 8 delivery of diesel restored electricity generation, if not CCM's credibility, on the island that has been a long-h [...] | 2008-12-15 13:57:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ECON ENRG PINR TZ |
08DARESSALAAM98 | PRESIDENT KIKWETE NAMES HON. MIZENGO PETER PINDA [...] (SBU) On February 8 President Jakaya Kikwete named Hon. Mizengo Peter Pinda, a Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office and member of Kikwete's former cabinet, as the new Prime Minister of Tanzania. Pinda's nomination was approved by the Parliament a few hours later, with the full sup [...] | 2008-02-09 05:46:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON KDEM PHUM PREL TZ |
08DHAKA1041 | ENERGY SPECIAL ASSISTANT WELCOMES US COMPANIES' [...] (C) According to the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Energy, a Malaysian firm's bid for the Bibiyana power plant in northeastern Bangladesh is nearly final. The door remains open for GE, which was interested in the Bibiyana project, to bid on other projects, however, including a pr [...] | 2008-10-06 10:15:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG PREL PGOV ECON PINR EINV BG |
08DHAKA1061 | AVIAN INFLUENZA OUTBREAK Q BANGLADESH [...] 1. A new outbreak of Highly-Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry occurred in Bangladesh September 24. HPAI was first officially reported in Bangladesh in March 2007. Since that time, outbreaks of HPAI (H5) in poultry have been reported or confirmed on 288 farms. One human HPAI case [...] | 2008-10-08 13:37:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED | KFLU EAGR ECON ETRD IN WTO CASC BG |
08DHAKA1070 | BANGLADESH PARTIALLY INSULATED FROM GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS [...] (SBU) Despite a sharp drop in local stock markets on October 12, Bangladesh's economy is relatively insulated -- for now -- from the effects of the global financial crisis, according to local economists and bankers. Should a global recession last for an extended period, however, Bangladesh co [...] | 2008-10-14 12:32:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD EINV EAID EAGR PGOV BG |
08DHAKA1089 | FOOD ADVISER ASKS FOR U.S. ASSISTANCE FOR FOOD STORAGE [...] (SBU) Bangladesh Food, Disaster Management and Health Adviser A.M.M. Shawkat Ali believes the Caretaker Government can be proud of its achievements in the food arena. In a meeting with the Ambassador, he highlighted food security, including food production, storage, pricing and consumption. A [...] | 2008-10-19 09:26:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON EFIN PGOV PREL BG |
08DHAKA1143 | VISAS DONKEY CORRUPTION 212(F) (RAHMAN, TARIQUE) [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Embassy is seeking a security advisory opinion under section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Presidential Proclamation 7750, suspending the entry into the United States of Tarique Rahman (aka Tarique),born on November 20, 1967 in Bangladesh. The Embassy belie [...] | 2008-11-03 10:08:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | ASEC CVIS ECON KCOR KCRM KFRD PGOV PREL |
08DHAKA1147 | BURMA-BANGLADESH MARITIME DISPUTE FLARES [...] (S/NF) Dhaka, on November 2, strongly protested Burma's November 1 decision to explore for oil and gas and dispatch naval vessels in disputed waters between the two nations. The Government of Bangladesh demanded the withdrawal of four exploration ships, accompanied by two naval warships, from [...] | 2008-11-03 11:12:00 | Embassy Dhaka | SECRET//NOFORN | BG BM ECON KDEM PBTS PGOV PHUM PREL SOCI TRGY |
08DHAKA1157 | MARITIME TENSIONS BETWEEN BANGLADESH AND BURMA [...] (C) Diplomatic talks between Bangladesh and Burma ended inconclusively November 8, with no negotiated settlement over the current maritime border dispute. Tensions between the two states continued to escalate, with both nations placing border forces on alert. Bangladesh-based South Korean di [...] | 2008-11-09 14:13:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | BG BM ECON PBTS PGOV PHUM PREL SOCI TRGY |
08DHAKA116 | BANGLADESH SCENESETTER FOR PDAS CAMP [...] (C) SUMMARY: Your visit comes just after a major reshuffling of the Caretaker Government (CTG) that coincided with its one-year anniversary. The reshuffle in mid-January was designed to inject new life into a Government struggling to rehabilitate areas of the country devastated by Cyclone Si [...] | 2008-01-27 01:33:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON PGOV PREL BG |
08DHAKA1164 | AMBASSADOR'S CHITTAGONG VISIT - MILITARY ENGAGEMENT AND A [...] (U) Ambassador Moriarty's second visit to the city of Chittagong highlighted U.S.-Bangladesh Navy cooperation and the importance of decentralization in an effective democracy. As part of a November 2-6 port call in Chittagong by the USNS SAFEGUARD, the Ambassador observed U.S. Navy divers work [...] | 2008-11-10 12:14:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL MARR ECON PGOV KPAO SOCI BG |
08DHAKA1224 | PREPARING FOR TRANSITION IN BANGLADESH [...] (SBU) Bangladesh's transition back to democracy following Parliamentary elections scheduled for December 29, will present significant challenges and opportunities for advancing U.S. interests here. The U.S. Government (USG) needs to begin planning for this transition now. In recent months, Mi [...] | 2008-11-25 09:22:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM PREL ECON BG |
08DHAKA1255 | ZFR - CODEL MCCAIN DISCUSSES ELECTIONS, CLIMATE CHANGE, [...] No summary [...] | 2008-12-07 10:11:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV ECON ETRD PTER SENV EAID OREP OVIP |
08DHAKA1256 | CODEL MCCAIN DISCUSSES ELECTIONS, CLIMATE CHANGE, [...] (SBU) A Congressional delegation led by Senator John McCain emphasized the need for Bangladesh to remain on the path to free, free and credible elections. During a brief December 2-3 visit, the bipartisan delegation also highlighted the importance of political parties working together after [...] | 2008-12-07 10:11:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV ECON ETRD PTER SENV EAID OREP OVIP |
08DHAKA1276 | PROMPT RESPONSE TO LATEST AVIAN INFLUENZA OUTBREAK [...] An avian influenza outbreak at a poultry farm occurred in Rangpur District in northwestern Bangladesh November 28. Government of Bangladesh (GOB) authorities responded quickly, ordering birds culled within hours of the report and completing containment efforts within three days. The GOB repo [...] | 2008-12-10 10:04:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED | KFLU EAGR ECON ETRD CASC BG |
08DHAKA128 | BANGLADESH: CYCLONE RECOVERY AND ELECTIONS HIGHLIGHTED [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Cyclone reconstruction and political dialogue in Bangladesh were core themes of a visiting Senate State Foreign Operations Subcommittee staff delegation led by Paul Grove January 16-18. In meetings with the StaffDel, Government of Bangladesh (GOB) representatives and non-gover [...] | 2008-01-28 11:22:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV EAID ECON BG |
08DHAKA1286 | BANGLADESH BEFORE THE ELECTIONS: ALL QUIET ON THE [...] (C) Preparations for December 29 parliamentary elections are just beginning to get underway in Barisal, Gazipur, and the northern portions of the Chittagong division in Bangladesh. Though formal campaigning has yet to begin, journalists, NGOs, local political leaders and international observer [...] | 2008-12-11 13:46:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | BG ECON KDEM PGOV PHUM PREL SOCI |
08DHAKA1309 | BANGLADESH POLITICAL PARTIES UNVEIL ELECTION [...] (SBU) Bangladesh's political parties pledged to tackle poverty, corruption and poor governance, and the nation's energy crisis as part of their election platforms, which were released over the weekend. The election manifestos of the two main parties, the Awami League (AL) and the Bangladesh [...] | 2008-12-17 10:29:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON PREL KDEM ENRG BG |
08DHAKA131 | AVIAN INFLUENZA SITREP - BANGLADESH [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Since the beginning of January, avian influenza outbreaks among poultry in Bangladesh have spread to an additional 9 districts, for a new total of 29 districts affected (out of 64). No cases of human infection have been reported, and an active surveillance system of 12 hospital [...] | 2008-01-29 10:05:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KFLU EAGR ECON ETRD IN WTO CASC BG |
08DHAKA1310 | BANGLADESH QUIETLY PREPARES FOR COUNTY LEVEL POLLS [...] (C) Virtually ignored as the campaign for Bangladesh,s December 29 national parliamentary elections kicks off, preparations for the upazila (county) elections appear to be moving forward. Nearly 10,000 candidates have filed nomination papers with the Election Commission (EC) to run for upazil [...] | 2008-12-17 10:55:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | BG ECON KDEM PGOV PHUM PREL SOCI |
08DHAKA1321 | IN RUN-UP TO ELECTIONS NORTH BENGAL IS EAGER FOR [...] (SBU) Voters in North Bengal are eager for change, but are not united on the type of change they want. In the run-up to Bangladesh's parliamentary elections December 29, parliamentary candidates, businessmen, educators and civil society leaders in three districts of Rajshahi Division reveal [...] | 2008-12-21 04:10:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON KDEM PGOV PHUM PREL PREF BG |
08DHAKA1337 | ELECTION IN NORTHEASTERN BANGLADESH: REFORMERS, [...] (C) As Bangladesh's parliamentary election campaigns swing into high gear, the contests in Sylhet Division in northeastern Bangladesh reflect national-level issues, including debates within the political parties and alliances. Heavyweights from the two leading parties, the Awami League (AL) [...] | 2008-12-23 10:32:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM ECON PREL BG |
08DHAKA15 | SCENESETTER FOR USAID WARD'S VISIT TO BANGLADESH [...] (C) SUMMARY: Your visit comes at the one-year anniversary of the Caretaker Government, which is struggling to rehabilitate areas of the country devastated by Cyclone Sidr and to address food security issues while preparing for nationwide elections by the end of 2008. Bangladesh largely met t [...] | 2008-01-06 11:22:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON PGOV PREL MPOS BG |
08DHAKA16 | SCENESCETTER FOR STAFFDEL GROVE'S VISIT TO [...] (C) SUMMARY: Your visit comes at the one-year anniversary of the Caretaker Government, which is struggling to rehabilitate areas of the country devastated by Cyclone Sidr and to address food security issues while preparing for nationwide elections by the end of 2008. Bangladesh largely met t [...] | 2008-01-06 11:23:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON PGOV PREL BG |
08DHAKA183 | BIRD FLU IN MORRELGANJ - OUTBREAK MANAGEMENT CASE STUDY [...] No summary [...] | 2008-02-10 10:51:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KFLU EAGR PGOV PREL ECON ETRD WTO TBIO CASC AMED IN |
08DHAKA193 | BIRD FLU IN MORRELGANJ - OUTBREAK MANAGEMENT CASE STUDY [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: An interagency assessment team (IAT) from State, DOD, and USAID has been in southern Bangladesh's Khulna and Barisal Divisions conducting an assessment of the Cyclone Sidr affected area in support of USG rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. The IAT has been tasked to repor [...] | 2008-02-12 08:12:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED | KFLU EAGR PGOV PREL ECON ETRD WTO TBIO CASC AMED IN |
08DHAKA213 | SCA PDAS CAMP HIGHLIGHTS ROADMAP DURING BANGLADESH [...] (C) Summary: During a February 3 - 4 visit to Dhaka, SCA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Don Camp emphasized the enduring nature of the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship and reiterated the importance of the Caretaker Government's adherence to the Electoral Roadmap. In meetings with the Ch [...] | 2008-02-14 12:20:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM ETRD ECON ELAB EFIN BG |
08DHAKA224 | LABOR UPDATE AND INTERIM GSP DEMARCHE DELIVERY [...] (U) On February 5, CDA a.i. Geeta Pasi delivered a speech at an award event organized by the US Cotton Council. In the speech, CDA emphasized key labor rights themes. (NOTE: full text of the speech is available on Post,s public website: http://dhaka.usembassy.gov END NOTE) Acknowledging the [...] | 2008-02-19 10:37:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB ECON ETRD PHUM PREL EFIS EIND EAID SOCI |
08DHAKA242 | BANGLADESH--NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART [...] (C) Summary: The goal of free, fair, and fully participatory elections in Bangladesh by the end of 2008 remains achievable, but numerous potential obstacles stand in the way of realizing that objective, with some key observers starting to hedge their bets. With less than a year remaining be [...] | 2008-02-24 11:57:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR ASEC PTER ECON BG |
08DHAKA266 | 2008 SPECIAL 301 REVIEW: EMBASSY BANGLADESH INPUT [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Government of Bangladesh (GOB) does not effectively enforce intellectual property rights (IPR) protections. Piracy of optical disks, software and books is rampant in Bangladesh. The GOB is currently focused on higher prioritized projects, including ensuring a transition to a [...] | 2008-02-28 09:50:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED | KIPR ECON ETRD BG |
08DHAKA288 | BANGLADESH SEEKS SUPPORT FOR WIPO DIRECTOR GENERAL [...] (SBU) Bangladesh requests U.S. support for the candidature of Dr. Taufiq Ali for the position of Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). 2. (U) At the upcoming 83-Member Coordination Committee of WIPO in Geneva from May 12-14 2008, Bangladesh will nominate D [...] | 2008-03-04 04:01:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON POL ETRD PREL KIPR BG |
08DHAKA315 | BANGLADESH CONTRIBUTION TO REPORT ON FISCAL TRANSPARENCY IN [...] The following is draft text on Bangladesh for the Congressionally-mandated report on fiscal transparency in countries receiving USG assistance. 2. While the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) demonstrates a commitment to financial transparency and accountability, its public accounting system [...] | 2008-03-12 06:19:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON PREL PGOV KCOR BG |
08DHAKA360 | BANGLADESH'S NEW ADVISERS HAVE STRONG CREDENTIALS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Bangladesh's Caretaker Government (CTG) recently reshuffled its top leadership; it forced the resignation of five of eleven Advisers, named five new Advisers, and brought on board five Special Assistants to help the over-extended Council of Advisers. In the last several weeks the [...] | 2008-03-24 07:28:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM ECON PINR ENRG ELAB EAID BG |
08DHAKA477 | BANGLADESH CHIEF ADVISER WRITES TO WHITE HOUSE [...] (U) During his introductory call on the Foreign Secretary (REF A),the Ambassador was presented with a letter from Bangladesh,s Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed to POTUS requesting support for Bangladesh,s candidate for WIPO Director General. This is the latest move in an unusually aggressi [...] | 2008-04-27 10:15:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON POL ETRD PREL KIPR BG |
08DHAKA48 | CIVIL AVIATION IN BANGLADESH: NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP [...] (U) SUMMARY: After years of little or no progress there are signs that the civil aviation sector in Bangladesh is attempting to climb out of its hole of poor safety and abysmal performance. For a decade the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has been under a Category Two rating by [...] | 2008-01-12 09:13:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | EAIR ECON PGOV BG |
08DHAKA485 | RESPONSE: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES - [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Recent natural disasters that strained the country's food supply have exacerbated in Bangladesh the effects of high food and commodity prices worldwide. High prices and the loss of some domestic food supplies and livelihoods threaten the food security of Bangladesh's desperatel [...] | 2008-04-30 02:53:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON EFIN PGOV PREL BG |
08DHAKA501 | BANGLADESH SCENESETTER FOR ASSISTANT SECRETARY [...] (C) Your visit to Bangladesh comes at a critical juncture in the Caretaker Government's term. The Government has begun a dialogue with the political parties to set the stage for parliamentary elections by the end of 2008, to institutionalize reforms initiated after the Government came to pow [...] | 2008-05-05 11:36:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV ECON EAID PTER KCOR BG |
08DHAKA502 | BANGLADESH SCENESETTER FOR COUNTERTERRORISM [...] (C) Your visit to Bangladesh comes at a critical juncture in the Caretaker Government's term. The Government has begun a dialogue with the political parties to set the stage for parliamentary elections by the end of 2008, to institutionalize reforms initiated after the Government came to pow [...] | 2008-05-05 11:43:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PREL POGV ECON EAID KCOR BG |
08DHAKA551 | BANGLADESH ECONOMY LOOKING UP? [...] (SBU) Recent upsurges in Bangladesh's export earnings, remittances and Government of Bangladesh (GOB) revenues point to an economic rebound in the last half of the country's fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. This is good news after the shocks of the first half of the year, includ [...] | 2008-05-22 11:08:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD EAGR PGOV PINR BG |
08DHAKA565 | EMBASSY DHAKA WELCOMES OIC SPECIAL ENVOY CUMBER [...] (SBU) As a large moderate Muslim majority nation whose citizens highly value democracy, Bangladesh is a key USG friend in the Islamic world and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Bangladesh has been active in multilateral fora including SAARC and the UN, where it has been a leadi [...] | 2008-05-28 06:29:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL OVIP PGOV EAID ECON BG |
08DHAKA583 | NOBEL LAUREATE'S GRAMEEN BANK THRIVING UNDER [...] (C) According to its founder, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, Grameen Bank is thriving under the Caretaker Government and has been largely immune to the effects of high food prices and natural disasters that have plagued Bangladesh's economy this year. Grameen continues to expand into new mar [...] | 2008-06-01 09:40:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EAID ECON PINR BG |
08DHAKA64 | NEW GOVERNMENT ADVISERS ARE GENERALLY [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Caretaker Government (CTG) marked its first anniversary with a broad shake-up to steady its troubled administration. On January 9, five widely respected Bangladeshis joined the Council of Advisers, replacing members who resigned under pressure after a series of missteps contri [...] | 2008-01-13 11:20:00 | Embassy Dhaka | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON KDEM PHUM BG |
08DHAKA643 | AMBASSADOR MEETS AGRICULTURE ADVISER [...] (SBU) On May 29, 2008, Ambassador Moriarty and Dr. C.S. Karim, Adviser for the Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture discussed priorities for the reconstruction of the cyclone-affected area and the problem of child labor at commercial processing facilities. Advisor Karim also expressed an interest [...] | 2008-06-15 10:37:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON EFIN PGOV PREL BG |
08DHAKA663 | OIC SPECIAL ENVOY STRESSES COLLABORATION AND DEVELOPMENT [...] (U) U.S. Special Envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Sada Cumber highlighted the need for better coordination among OIC countries and the importance of economic development in the Muslim world during a recent visit to Bangladesh. Cumber visited the OIC-endowed Islamic Un [...] | 2008-06-19 11:41:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV EAID ECON BG |
08DHAKA797 | GSP PETITION: BANGLADESH CONCERNED [...] No summary [...] | 2008-07-28 12:07:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB ECON ETRD PHUM PREL BG |
08DHAKA877 | SCENESETTER FOR STAFFDEL YEO BANGLADESH VISIT [...] (SBU) Your visit to Bangladesh comes at an important juncture in the Caretaker Government's (CTG) term. The CTG is working to set the stage for national elections by the end of 2008. It is negotiating with political parties about the transition to a democratically-elected government, as well [...] | 2008-08-14 09:33:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV EAID ECON OTRA PTER BG |
08DHAKA999 | NATIONAL ELECTIONS SET FOR 18 DECEMBER; WILL BE HELD BEFORE [...] (SBU) Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed announced September 20 that parliamentary elections would take place December 18 and Upazila, or sub-district (county equivalent),elections would be held later in the month. The Chief Adviser also declared that the State of Emergency would be relaxed to al [...] | 2008-09-22 10:39:00 | Embassy Dhaka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM PHUM SOCI PREL ECON BG |
08DILI128 | IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES ON TIMOR-LESTE [...] Summary. While an estimated two-thirds of Timor-Leste's population is food insecure or vulnerable to food insecurity, the worldwide increase in food and commodity prices has not yet led to social or political unrest in Timor-Leste. The increase in the price of food in the first quarter of 20 [...] | 2008-05-02 09:35:00 | Embassy Dili | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON TT |
08DILI159 | MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ASSESSMENT OF TIMOR-LESTE [...] Summary: A senior team from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) visited Timor-Leste from 18 to 22 May 2008. The team met with a wide range of stakeholders during its visit, outlining the steps necessary for Timor-Leste to obtain compact assistance. Because Timor-Leste is currently under- [...] | 2008-06-04 08:58:00 | Embassy Dili | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON PGOV TT |
08DILI184 | MAJOR CHANGES IN TIMOR-LESTE FISCAL POLICY [...] Action requested - see para 13 below. 2. (SBU) Summary. The Timor-Leste National Parliament will begin debate this week on a massive supplementary budget that marks a departure from the country's historically conservative fiscal policy. If enacted and fully implemented, the government [...] | 2008-07-14 10:00:00 | Embassy Dili | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PREL TT |
08DILI261 | PM GUSMAO ON ECONOMIC POLICY AND SECURITY SECTOR REFORM [...] (C) Summary. In an extended meeting with the Ambassador on October 8, PM Gusmao shared the economic policy woes his government has faced in 2008 and prescriptions for 2009, his plan to appoint a very senior Timorese politician as a second Vice Prime Minister in charge of improving government [...] | 2008-10-09 10:55:00 | Embassy Dili | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON MARR MASS EAID MCC TT PREL OTRA PGOV MCAP |
08DILI262 | PM GUSMAO ON ECONOMIC POLICY AND SECURITY SECTOR REFORM [...] (C) Summary. In an extended meeting with the Ambassador on October 8, PM Gusmao shared the economic policy woes his government has faced in 2008 and prescriptions for 2009, his plan to appoint a very senior Timorese politician as a second Vice Prime Minister in charge of improving government [...] | 2008-10-09 11:00:00 | Embassy Dili | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON MARR MASS EAID MCC TT PREL OTRA PGOV MCAP |
08DILI281 | MCC ELIGIBILITY: THE CASE FOR TIMOR-LESTE [...] Timor-Leste is Asia's poorest country and ranks among the most impoverished nations of the world in terms of illiteracy, maternal and child mortality, malnutrition, low income and other indices of human development. Its infrastructure is shockingly poor, from roads to schools, to telecommunic [...] | 2008-11-04 07:31:00 | Embassy Dili | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV MCC ECON EFIN TT |
08DILI294 | TIMOR-LESTE: COURT OF APPEALS FINDS BUDGET ALLOCATION [...] (U) Summary. Timor-Leste's Court of Appeals ruled on October 27 that the Government's allocation of monies from the Petroleum Fund into a newly-created Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) violates the Constitution's provisions against secret budgets. The Court also found that any transfers from [...] | 2008-11-19 08:57:00 | Embassy Dili | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV EFIN ECON TT |
08DILI297 | U.S. PACIFIC FLEET AND U.S. MARINE FORCES PACIFIC EXPLORE [...] (C) Summary. Teams from both U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) and U.S. Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) concluded an assessment trip to Timor-Leste on November 22 designed to determine how they can provide additional assistance to Timor-Leste's security sector. In doing so, members met with a [...] | 2008-11-25 07:04:00 | Embassy Dili | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECON MARR EAID TT |
08DILI308 | TIMOR-LESTE LEADERS REACT TO MCC DECISION [...] On December 12, the Ambassador briefed Finance Minister Pires, Foreign Minister da Costa, Vice Prime Minister Guterres, Acting Speaker of Parliament Guterres, the head of Timor's MCC team, and President Jose Ramos Horta on the MCC Board's decision to not reselect Timor-Leste as Compact eligibl [...] | 2008-12-15 23:38:00 | Embassy Dili | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV MCC ECON EFIN TT |
08DILI320 | CORRECTED COPY: SOCIAL AND SECURITY CONDITIONS IN BAUCAU [...] (SBU) Poloff visited the district of Baucau from December 3-4 to deliver sports equipment to residents in the Suco of Fatulia, sub-district of Venilale, and to meet with Catholic Church and National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) officials in the district. In contrast to previous visits, economi [...] | 2008-12-24 01:14:00 | Embassy Dili | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV ECON TT |
08DILI323 | MAJOR PROJECTS AND GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT IN TIMOR-LESTE [...] (SBU) The poorest country in Asia, Timor-Leste faces large gaps in public infrastructure, from roads to ports, electricity, schools and hospitals. Early decisions after independence in 2002 to eschew international debt and to conserve most of the country's future petroleum wealth constrained [...] | 2008-12-31 08:59:00 | Embassy Dili | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV MCC ECON EFIN TT |
08DILI72 | TIMOR-LESTE FISCAL TRANSPARENCY FOR CONGRESSIONALLY MANDATED [...] (U) This cable responds to reftel request for an update on fiscal transparency and accountability of countries receiving USG assistance. Transparency of National Budget ------------------------------- 2. (U) Once approved by the National Parliament and promulgated by the President, the G [...] | 2008-03-04 23:49:00 | Embassy Dili | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON EAID PREL PGOV ID |
08DILI79 | TIMOR-LESTE: LEVERAGING USG EFFORTS IN AGRICULTURE [...] Classifying Timor-Leste as a Priority Country under USDA's Food for Progress (FFP) program would directly and strongly support U.S. foreign policy objectives to support Timor-Leste's efforts to build a stable, secure, prosperous, and democratic future for its citizens. The country meets the q [...] | 2008-03-11 05:11:00 | Embassy Dili | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON PREL TT |
08DJIBOUTI1032 | DJIBOUTI: SENATOR FEINGOLD DISCUSSES REGION, [...] (C) SUMMARY. During a December 18-21 CODEL in Djibouti, Senator Feingold discussed Djibouti, Somalia, and regional concerns with top GODJ and Somalia officials. In meetings with President Guelleh, Foreign Minister Youssouf, and members of Djibouti's civil society, the Senator focused on the s [...] | 2008-12-23 12:47:00 | Embassy Djibouti | CONFIDENTIAL | OREP PGOV PREL PHSA PTER PHUM EAID ECON KCOR |
08DJIBOUTI145 | DJIBOUTI LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS: NO SURPRISES [...] (C) SUMMARY: As expected, Djibouti's February 8 elections uneventfully returned the ruling coalition, the "Union for a Presidential Majority" (UMP),to all sixty-five seats in Djibouti's unicameral legislature. Despite a boycott call from a rival coalition, the "Union for Democratic Alternati [...] | 2008-02-11 14:45:00 | Embassy Djibouti | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM EAID ECON DJ |
08DJIBOUTI236 | FISCAL TRANSPARENCY IN DJIBOUTI [...] (U) The following is Embassy Djibouti's response to reftel questions on fiscal transparency in Djibouti. 2. (SBU) The Government of Djibouti is showing increasing commitment to transparency and accountability but needs capacity building and continued support from the IMF and other internatio [...] | 2008-03-13 13:32:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON PREL DJ |
08DJIBOUTI239 | DJIBOUTI'S INPUT FOR 2008 PRESIDENT'S REPORT ON AGOA [...] SUMMARY: Djibouti's market-based, open economy continues to move in the right direction, with an estimated 5 percent growth rate for 2007. Djibouti offers substantial incentives to private sector investors, and has benefited from increasing foreign direct investment. The government of Djibou [...] | 2008-03-13 13:53:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV ECON PGOV DJ |
08DJIBOUTI377 | DJIBOUTI FM DISCUSSES SOMALIA, ERITREA-ETHIOPIA [...] (C) SUMMARY. In an April 16 meeting, AF/E Director James Knight and GODJ Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reaffirmed the importance of a strong U.S.-Djibouti partnership, and discussed Djibouti's part in several regional issues, including the current situation in Somalia, a re [...] | 2008-04-17 09:48:00 | Embassy Djibouti | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PREF ECON DJ SO ER ET |
08DJIBOUTI425 | RESPONSE: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES/DJIBOUTI [...] (U) SUMMARY. Djibouti imports virtually all of its food. It has long grappled with chronic drought and food insecurity, and is fighting extreme poverty rates of over 40 percent. In this context, recent rising food and commodity prices have had a catastrophic impact. The GODJ has developed a [...] | 2008-04-30 13:10:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PREL PGOV DJ |
08DJIBOUTI545 | DJIBOUTI STARTS PLANTING FOR "GREEN REVOLUTION" [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Faced with rising global food prices, a near-total dependence on imported food, and resulting high levels of malnutrition and food insecurity (reftel),the GODJ has recently encouraged creative small-scale agricultural projects as part of Djibouti's overall food security strategy [...] | 2008-06-23 08:10:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR ECON EAID SENV PGOV SOCI KPAO DJ |
08DJIBOUTI553 | DJIBOUTI'S GROWING FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR [...] (U) SUMMARY: Djibouti has long served as a regional financial services center for the Horn of Africa. As Djibouti increasingly seeks to position itself as a world-class shipping and services platform, it has looked to cement its status as a financial services hub. Three new banks have recent [...] | 2008-06-26 11:35:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EINV PREL DJ |
08DJIBOUTI554 | DJIBOUTI: EFFORTS TO FIGHT TERRORIST FINANCE [...] SUMMARY: During a May 28 seminar co-sponsored by Post and the Central Bank of Djibouti, over thirty participants from the Central Bank, local commercial banks, money transfer operations, and the GODJ Technical Counterterrorism Committee discussed Djibouti's progress in combating terrorist finan [...] | 2008-06-26 12:51:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED | KTFN KPAO PGOV PTER ECON EFIN ETTC DJ |
08DJIBOUTI565 | DJIIBOUTIAN NATIONAL DAY: FLYING THE FLAG AND THANKING [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. With tensions still running high on the Djibouti-Eritrea border, the GODJ marked Djiboutian National Day on June 27 with modest celebrations, thanks to allies, and a renewed appeal for national solidarity. Although a large portion of Djibouti's armed forces are deployed near the [...] | 2008-06-30 10:23:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON KPAO SOCI FR ER DJ |
08DJIBOUTI567 | IMF IN FINAL NEGOTIATIONS FOR DJIBOUTI PRGF [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: In a June 23 briefing, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation briefed donors in Djibouti on the results of their week-long mission to negotiate a new Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) agreement with the GODJ. While the IMF team was upbeat about the overall ec [...] | 2008-06-30 10:33:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EINV PREL KTFN DJ |
08DJIBOUTI618 | DP WORLD EXPLAINS DJIBOUTI PORT TARIFF INCREASES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Dubai Ports World (DPW) recently announced tariff increases at the Port of Djibouti. Although transshipment traffic has been growing rapidly, approximately 80% of the Port of Djibouti's business is still in supplying landlocked Ethiopia. While the new prices will apply to all po [...] | 2008-07-24 13:40:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PREL ETRD EWWT ET DJ |
08DJIBOUTI684 | DJIBOUTI MCC ROUNDUP: SUBSTANTIAL FY2008 PROGRESS [...] SUMMARY: In FY2008, Djibouti made significant strides in several areas measured by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) indicators. Some of Djibouti's achievements--such as holding free and fair legislative elections that brought two more women into parliament, organizing a national semi [...] | 2008-08-26 11:22:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON PHUM SOCI SENV KCOR KMCA KWMN |
08DJIBOUTI732 | DP WORLD ON EFFICIENCY AND PROFITABILITY AT THE [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a recent meeting with EmbOffs, two top managers at the Dubai Ports World-managed Port of Djibouti were concerned that meager investment in port infrastructure, lack of freedom to raise tariff rates, and a large backup of Ethiopia-bound goods were endangering profitability. How [...] | 2008-09-07 13:36:00 | Embassy Djibouti | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECON EWWT EINV DJ |
08DJIBOUTI853 | DJIBOUTI - CABINET DIRECTOR DISCUSSES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT [...] On October 13, the USAID Representative and the USAID FSN Program Development Specialist met with the Director of the Presidential Cabinet, Mr. Abdi Achkir, and his staff to discuss USAID food aid donations to Djibouti. The USAID Representative explained that 2,300 metric tons of vegetable oil [...] | 2008-10-30 06:48:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PGOV DJ |
08DJIBOUTI859 | DJIBOUTI'S QUEST FOR NEW ENERGY SOURCES [...] SUMMARY: Djibouti is completely dependent on expensive diesel-generated power, and its nascent service economy is fast outstripping modest domestic production capacity. Faced with trying to maintain and expand electricity access for a populace already strapped by high food prices, while answer [...] | 2008-11-02 11:09:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG ECON EINV SENV PGOV PREL ET DJ |
08DJIBOUTI885 | DJIBOUTI ON FY09 MCA SCORES: THE BALL'S IN OUR COURT [...] (U) SUMMARY. In delivering advance copies of Djibouti's FY2009 Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Scorecard to GODJ officials (per reftel),Post welcomed Djibouti's Presidential-level commitment to improving indicator performance. In light of Djibouti's slight backsliding in FY2009 scores, Pos [...] | 2008-11-11 15:03:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON PHUM SOCI SENV KCOR KMCA KWMN DJ |
08DJIBOUTI89 | DJIBOUTI: 2008 INVESTMENT CLIMATE STATEMENT [...] SUMMARY: Foreign direct investment in Djibouti in 2007 is five times as large as it was in 2003. Djibouti's economy is service-based, with the country's seaport accounting for the bulk of economic activity. Almost all food and many other goods are imported from Ethiopia, the Arabian Gulf, or [...] | 2008-01-31 06:18:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV ETRD ECON EFIN ELAB PGOV |
08DJIBOUTI893 | DJIBOUTI GETS READY FOR JAN 1 VAT TAX [...] (U) SUMMARY. After several years of discussion, the GODJ will implement a 7% value added tax (VAT) beginning in January 2009. During the first implementation phase, only Djibouti's largest companies--those with an annual turnover of almost half a million dollars--will be required to charge VAT [...] | 2008-11-16 14:07:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EFIN ETRD ODIP DJ |
08DJIBOUTI924 | DP WORLD CEO BULLISH ON DJIBOUTI INVESTMENTS [...] (U) SUMMARY. In a recent meeting with the Ambassador, Dubai Ports World (DP World) CEO Mohammad Sharaf outlined DP World's growing investments in Djibouti and throughout the region. Sharaf said that the multimillion-dollar Doraleh Port project was on track to receive its first ships in Decem [...] | 2008-11-20 11:54:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV EWWT PHSA PREL KCOR DJ XA |
08DJIBOUTI925 | DJIBOUTI READY TO SIGN MEGAPORTS MOU [...] The GODJ has confirmed that Djibouti is ready to be the first African port to participate in the Department of Energy's Megaports Initiative. In early November, Post reached an agreement with the MFA on the text of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to allow for the installation of specialize [...] | 2008-11-20 14:26:00 | Embassy Djibouti | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON ENRG EWWT MNUC PINS DJ |
08DOHA152 | QATAR: CI/KR RESPONSE FOR S/CT [...] (S/NF) Summary: Post assesses that U.S. investments in Qatar's energy industry, coupled with the onset of regular liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to the U.S. 2008-12, constitute the main critical infrastructure and key resources, which if destroyed, disrupted or exploited might have an im [...] | 2008-02-21 09:57:00 | Embassy Doha | SECRET//NOFORN | PTER PREL PGOV ECON ETTC EAID EFIN EAGR ASEC |
08DOHA186 | U/S LEVEY URGES QATAR TO PREVENT IRANIAN BANKS [...] (C) During February 25 meetings, Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Stuart Levey commended Qatar's financial leaders for the progress they have made in expanding Qatar's financial services, warned them of deceptive practices being undertaken by Iranian banks and [...] | 2008-03-05 05:31:00 | Embassy Doha | SECRET | EFIN KTFN ECON QA IR |
08DOHA190 | EASY MONEY AND A WELFARE-STATE MENTALITY CREATE [...] (C) SUMMARY. Qatar's impressive economic growth over the past few years has been accompanied by increasing economic and social challenges, particularly soaring levels of consumer debt. Meanwhile, the government is trying to wean its citizenry off a welfare state mentality but its own policie [...] | 2008-03-05 13:07:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN ELAB QA |
08DOHA254 | MFA OFFICIAL SAYS QATAR WILL IMPLEMENT UNSCR 1803 [...] (C) Pol-Econ Chief and Econoff delivered Ref A and Ref B demarches April 2 to Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Sowaidi, Acting Director of the MFA's International Organizations Department. Noting that the international community recognizes the risks of doing business with Iran, Econoff emphasized that [...] | 2008-04-03 05:31:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN ETRD EINV PREL PGOV PARM KNNP MNUC |
08DOHA349 | RESPONSE: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES - [...] Prices of all food/agricultural commodities are dramatically rising in Qatar. Analysts and businessmen attribute the price increases to a variety of factors, including higher prices in the countries of origin, higher transportation costs, salary and wage increases, and inflation. At the same [...] | 2008-05-01 06:50:00 | Embassy Doha | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR TBIO ECON QA |
08DOHA375 | QATAR ANNOUNCES RECORD BUDGET OF USD 28 BILLION [...] The government of Qatar approved last month the largest budget in the country's history. Government officials touted the 2008-09 budget as proof that the country remains committed to its sustainable development plans. Private sector leaders believe the 2008-09 budget creates more favorable c [...] | 2008-05-12 06:10:00 | Embassy Doha | UNCLASSIFIED | EPET PGOV ECON QA |
08DOHA385 | QATAR BOOSTS DIVERSIFICATION AND ESTABLISHES USD [...] Boosting diversification in its hydrocarbon extraction-dependent economy, Qatar last month began construction on three fertilizer plants valued at USD 3.2 billion. Upon completion of the projects in Mesaieed Industrial City (approximately 40 kilometers south of Doha),Qatar Fertilizer Company [...] | 2008-05-15 13:43:00 | Embassy Doha | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ENRG ECON QA |
08DOHA393 | WORKER RIGHTS IN QATAR: NOT JUST A PROBLEM FOR [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Qatar's economy is booming and has become heavily reliant on expatriate workers. The resulting influx of foreign workers, currently estimated at nearly 90 percent of the population, has caused the Government of Qatar to take sometimes stringent measures to ensure that the large [...] | 2008-05-20 13:52:00 | Embassy Doha | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM ELAB ECON SMIG QA |
08DOHA407 | SCENESETTER FOR TREASURY SECRETARY HENRY PAULSON'S [...] (C) Mr. Secretary, your June 1 visit is an opportunity to discuss four issues of immediate concern to Qatar and the U.S.: - Exchange rates and GCC currency pegs - Counter-terrorist financing - Iran - Sovereign Wealth Funds and Foreign Investment in the U.S. You have meetings confirmed wi [...] | 2008-05-28 15:35:00 | Embassy Doha | SECRET | PREL ECON EFIN PGOV QA |
08DOHA443 | TIGHTENING MORTGAGE LENDING RULES TO SHORE UP THE [...] (U) SUMMARY: Qatar is considering tighter rules for residential and commercial mortgages that would minimize the banking system's exposure to real estate market fluctuations, more tightly regulate property prices, and reduce liquidity in an effort to curb soaring inflation. The proposed rules [...] | 2008-06-15 09:03:00 | Embassy Doha | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN QA |
08DOHA475 | QATAR CABINET SHUFFLE ANNOUNCED [...] (U) Characterized by local press reports as the "broadest and most sweeping" cabinet shuffle since the Qatari Government came into existence, Amir Hamad bin Khalifah Al Thani, accompanied by Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani (HBJ),appointed and swore in several new min [...] | 2008-07-01 14:02:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ECON QA |
08DOHA505 | QATAR CONTINUES BALANCING ACT WITH IRAN'S BANK [...] (C) SUMMARY: Qatar's Deputy Central Bank Governor Sheikh Fahad Bin Faisal Al Thani told Charge the early June opening of a second Bank Saderat branch in Doha was the result of last-minute Iranian action on an old license. He asserted that the Central Bank is watching Iranian activity closely [...] | 2008-07-15 06:40:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KTFN KNNP INRB PARM MNUC ECON EFIN IR QA |
08DOHA518 | QATAR INVESTMENT AUTHORITY, PART ONE: HISTORY AND [...] (SBU) Summary: The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) - one of the newest and most secretive Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) - seeks to diversify Qatar's economic holdings away from hydrocarbons and a reliance on dollar-based assets. Formally established only in 2005, the fund is valued by p [...] | 2008-07-23 04:23:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | EINV EFIN ECON QA |
08DOHA521 | QATAR INVESTMENT AUTHORITY, PART TWO: ASSETS AND [...] (SBU) Summary: The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) holds its estimated USD 60 billion in a wide variety of investments. Not content to sit on Treasury bills and other conservative, low-return assets, the QIA is buying significant stakes in Western and Asian firms, and taking on riskier inve [...] | 2008-07-24 13:18:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | EINV EFIN ECON QA |
08DOHA525 | QATAR INVESTMENT AUTHORITY, PART THREE: FUTURE [...] (SBU) Summary: With plans on track for Qatar's natural gas production to double over the next few years, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) should have no shortage of fresh capital to invest. Beyond finding profitable investments to secure the long-term welfare of its people, the GOQ wants [...] | 2008-07-27 13:15:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | EINV EFIN ECON EAGR QA |
08DOHA538 | SUPPLY CONSTRAINTS PINCH QATAR'S BOOMING [...] (SBU) Doha's fast-growing construction industry continues to suffer from supply constraints as the availability of raw materials remains inadequate to meet surging demand. While construction only accounts for 6 percent of GDP, the sector registered a 22 percent growth rate last year, and the [...] | 2008-07-30 13:15:00 | Embassy Doha | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EIND QA |
08DOHA558 | CHARTING EMBASSY DOHA'S COURSE - SYNCHRONIZATION [...] (C) Qatar is steadily emerging as a key regional partner for the United States - militarily and economically: -- Qatar hosts approximately 10,000 U.S. military forces at two major installations. These forces are heavily involved in the conduct of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, especially [...] | 2008-08-04 14:35:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL AMGT KSPR ECON QA |
08DOHA590 | EXXONMOBIL ASSESSES FOUR TYPES OF RISK TO THE [...] (C) ExxonMobil-Qatar President and CEO Alex Dodds told the Ambassador during an August 14 introductory call that his company and other energy firms face substantive risks in Qatar, though the profits are lucrative enough to keep them here anyway. Dodds noted that when existing projects are co [...] | 2008-08-19 06:12:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG EPET ECON TRGY QA |
08DOHA595 | LNG TANKERS VULNERABLE TO TERRORISTS; TEXAS A&M [...] (C) Ambassador August 11 paid an introductory visit to Mark Weichold, the Dean of Texas A&M University in Qatar (TAMU-Q),and heard Weichold's views on the future of Qatar's energy environment. Because Iran and Qatar share the world's largest non-associated natural gas field, he explained, Q [...] | 2008-08-20 13:42:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER ECON KPAO IR QA |
08DOHA603 | QATAR INVESTMENT AUTHORITY PLANS INCREASED [...] (C) Faisal Abbas (protect),an investment analyst in the office of QIA CEO (and Qatar's Foreign Minister and Prime Minister) Hamad Bin Jassim Al Thani (HBJ),told Econoff August 20 that the QIA remains highly interested in investments in the United States. He explained that the fund is lookin [...] | 2008-08-24 12:58:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | EINV EFIN ECON QA |
08DOHA604 | END TO ENERGY CONSTRUCTION BOOM COULD [...] (C) Qatar Chemical Company (Q-Chem) Deputy General Manager Don Lycette told the Ambassador during an August 20 introductory meeting that his company is short of workers and would be building more, faster, if they could find additional skilled labor. (Note: Lycette is a secondee from Chevron P [...] | 2008-08-24 12:59:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG ELAB EPET EINV ECON QA |
08DOHA611 | STUNNING ECONOMIC GROWTH IN QATAR; LITTLE TRICKLES DOWN [...] The Qatar Statistics Authority (QSA) recently released data on Qatar's economic performance in 2007: -- The Oil and Gas Sector contributed 56% of GDP at USD 40.1 billion, a 23.7 percent increase from 2006. -- The 44 percent of the economy classified as non-oil and gas contributed USD 32. 1 [...] | 2008-08-26 05:27:00 | Embassy Doha | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ENRG EFIN ETRD QA |
08DOHA630 | PROFESSIONAL OIL NEGOTIATOR'S COMMENTS ON ARAB [...] (C) During an introductory call with Ambassador August 28, ConocoPhillips (COP) President of Middle East and North Africa Bill Bullock said Qatar is "a country that gets it right" in creating an investment climate to encourage international participation. Bullock -- who oversees COP's operati [...] | 2008-09-02 13:12:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG EPET ECON EINV QA |
08DOHA649 | FINANCE MINISTER: QATAR TO GET AAA SOVEREIGN [...] (C) During an introductory office call with Ambassador September 9, Finanace and Economy Minister Kamal said he expects Qatar's current AA credit rating will improve to AAA next year. He said GOQ hedging for risk is based on traditional hedges: (a) geographical diversification (moving stati [...] | 2008-09-10 13:01:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN EINV ECON QA |
08DOHA660 | VENEZUELA PRESSURING QATAR TO IMMEDIATELY SIGN GAS [...] (C) Caracas is pushing Doha hard to sign immediately a recently received Heads-of-Agreement on an off-shore Venezuelan reservoir, according to Minister of State for Energy and Industry, Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada. 2. (C) Al-Sada told Ambassador September 14th that Qatar was surprised by [...] | 2008-09-14 12:48:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ENRG ECON QA VE |
08DOHA664 | THE NEXT 3 YEARS--AN INTERAGENCY FIELD ASSESSMENT [...] (U) Expected trends in Qatar's internal political situation and foreign policy over the next 36 months include: -- (S) A continuation of a tight grip on power by the Al Thani family, which has controlled pre- and post-independent Qatar for 140 years. -- (S/NF) Within the ruling family, a c [...] | 2008-09-16 13:09:00 | Embassy Doha | SECRET | PREL AMGT KSPR ECON QA |
08DOHA686 | ENERGY MINISTER: GAS MORATORIUM TO REMAIN IN PLACE [...] (C) During an introductory meeting with Ambassador September 22, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry Abdullah Al-Attiyah indicated that Qatar is likely to keep its moratorium on further North Field development in place past the official deadline of 2011. 2. (C) Describ [...] | 2008-09-24 13:20:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG EPET EINV ECON QA |
08DOHA705 | A SAFE HARBOR IN THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL STORM -- FOR [...] (SBU) The consensus of government and private experts with whom we have spoken in recent days is that Qatar has been largely spared any negative effects, for now, in the global liquidity crisis. Citibank Qatar CEO Farhan Mahmoud told P/E Chief October 6 that there was a spill-over effect in t [...] | 2008-10-06 14:24:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EFIN ECON PREL QA |
08DOHA710 | QATAR STEPS UP MONITORING BANK LIQUIDITY AS DOHA [...] (C) Following Minister of Finance Kamal's September 30 comments to the Ambassador that Qatari banks were in good shape and did not face a liquidity crisis, officials at the QFC have reported that the Central Bank nevertheless is "being more vigilant" in monitoring banks' liquidity. Employees o [...] | 2008-10-09 14:28:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN EINV ECON PREL QA |
08DOHA735 | AMBASSADOR'S LETTER -- STARING INTO THE ABYSS, [...] (C) Prices on the Doha Securities Exchange plummeted for several days last week, creating a palpable sense of investment panic here among Qataris. 2. (U) In response to the mounting fear, Qatar Investment Authority, the sovereign wealth fund, said October 13 that it will take 10-20 percen [...] | 2008-10-20 09:14:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | EINV ECON PREL EFIN SOCI SCUL PGOV QA |
08DOHA736 | QATAR'S LOCAL BANKS RETAIN STRONG FUNDAMENTALS; [...] (C) The message from Embassy Doha's banking sector contacts continues to be that local Qatari banks are weathering the global financial storm well (see reftels). Over half a dozen bankers affirmed to Econoff the last few days that the major danger in Qatar is a psychological ripple effect from [...] | 2008-10-20 09:25:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN EINV ECON QA |
08DOHA743 | QATAR PRIME MINISTER SKETCHES DARFUR STRATEGY; [...] (S) Referencing a recent conversation in Washington between NEA A/S David Welch and Qatar's Ambassador to the U.S., Ambassador asked Hamid bin Jassim for Qatar's assessment of the situation in Sudan. Bin Jassim said Qatar would not host a conference in Doha to mediate on the Sudanese conflict [...] | 2008-10-22 12:27:00 | Embassy Doha | SECRET | PREL EFIN ECON QA SU IR |
08DOHA75 | QATAR SHOWING INCREASED ATTENTION TO ENERGY [...] (S) Summary: Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Kevin Kolevar; DOE Secretary Bodman's Chief of Staff Jeff Kupfer; Pol/Econ Chief and Poloff met with Minister of State for Energy and Industry Dr. Mohammed Saleh Al-Sada and Qatar Petroleum [...] | 2008-01-29 13:14:00 | Embassy Doha | SECRET | ENRG PTER PREL PGOV ECON ETTC EAID EAGR EFIN |
08DOHA781 | QATAR'S INTEREST IN BILATERAL TAX TREATY [...] (SBU) During a meeting with Finance and Economy Minister Yousef Hussain Kamal (septel),Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt inquired about a recent diplomatic note from the Qatari embassy in Washington to the Treasury Department indicating Qatar's interest in negotiating a bilateral tax t [...] | 2008-11-05 07:52:00 | Embassy Doha | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN BTIO ECIN ECON EINV QA |
08DOHA782 | TREASURY DEPUTY SECRETARY KIMMITT'S MEETINGS WITH [...] (C) Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt met October 29 with Finance and Economy Minister Yousef Hussain Kamal and Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Deputy Governor Shaykh Fahad Bin Faisal Al Thani. Also participating in the meetings from the U.S. side were Ambassador, Treasury Deputy Assistant .S [...] | 2008-11-05 08:02:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN EINV ECON QA IR IZ |
08DOHA783 | QIA ASSESSES INVESTMENT LANDSCAPE FOR TREASURY [...] (C) Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt met October 29 with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) Executive Board Member (and de facto Managing Director) Dr. Hussain Al-Abdulla. Also participating in the meetings from the U.S. side were Ambassador, Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary for the [...] | 2008-11-05 08:07:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | EINV EFIN ECON QA |
08DOHA789 | QATAR'S ECONOMIC FORECAST: PARTLY SUNNY [...] (C) Sheikha Hanadi Al Thani, Chairperson of the Qatari investment bank Amwal and Deputy CEO of Nasser Bin Khalid Holding, told P/E Chief and Econoff November 4 that the financial and economic situation in Qatar is "still smoky" but there is no question the country is being affected by the glob [...] | 2008-11-06 13:00:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN EINV ECON QA |
08DOHA810 | FIRST-EVER INDIAN PM VISIT TO QATAR AIMS TO SPARK [...] (C) In a November 17 meeting with P/E Chief, Indian Embassy Political Officer Harish Arora, joined later by Political and Commercial Affairs Head Sanjiv Kohli, shared their perspective on Indian PM Manmohan Singh's November 9-11 visit to Qatar, where Singh met with Amir Hamid bin Khalifa Al Th [...] | 2008-11-18 12:26:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECON EPET ELAB MARR QA IN |
08DOHA818 | QATARI EXPERTS SEE SECURITY, BRIGHT FUTURE IN [...] (C)At a November 3 meeting with Poloff, Dr.Hatem El Karanshawy, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at Qatar University and former Governor of the Egyptian Central Bank, attributed the recent global financial turmoil to speculation on the part of western bankers and investors, particularly i [...] | 2008-11-20 10:37:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN EINV ECON QA SU SY UK EG PK YM |
08DOHA853 | QATAR ASSESSMENT OF MEPI WOMEN'S SMALL BUSINESS INITIATIVE [...] Qatari women own and operate 346 firms with a total capital of USD 6 billion, according to a recent study by the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The study shows that women represent 13.4 per cent of business owners in the country. Recent conversations with several local businesswomen [...] | 2008-12-09 07:03:00 | Embassy Doha | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL KPAO ECON QA |
08DOHA877 | QATAR LOOKS TO INCREASE COORDINATION WITH SAUDI [...] (C) Ambassador asked MFA Assistant Minister for Follow-up Affairs Mohamed Al-Rumaihi December 17 for his assessment of the Qatar-Saudi Joint Council on Coordination dialogue which was held in Saudi Arabia December 15-17. Al-Rumaihi responded that coordinating and implementing joint policies " [...] | 2008-12-17 13:57:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECON QA SA |
08DOHA88 | QATAR'S BILATERAL LABOR AGREEMENTS - ALL POMP AND [...] (SBU) Summary: Qatar has recently signed a number of bilateral labor agreements with South and Southeast Asian governments. Local and regional press have touted the agreements as benefiting the hundreds of thousands of unskilled and semi-skilled laborers and domestic workers in Qatar from th [...] | 2008-02-04 11:16:00 | Embassy Doha | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PHUM ELAB ECIN ECON SMIG IN ID BG |
08DUBAI1 | DIFC SIGNS MOU WITH FDIC, FEDERAL RESERVE AND OTHER US [...] (U) On October 23 the Dubai Financial Services Authority (the DFSA is the regulating authority for the Dubai's self-governing financial "free zone" the Dubai International Financial Center, DIFC) entered into a comprehensive Statement of Cooperation with key U.S. federal banking supervision aut [...] | 2008-01-02 08:18:00 | Consulate Dubai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EINV TC AE |
08DUBAI101 | WHO'S GOT THE JUICE? -- ELECTRICITY AND WATER LIMITATIONS [...] (C) Summary. Dubai's aggressive 11% per annum planned real GDP growth targets through 2015 are based on the assumption that sufficient power and water will be available for the massive development now underway. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is currently operating at close t [...] | 2008-03-18 08:00:00 | Consulate Dubai | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG EPET KNNP ECON EINV SENV ETRD PGOV AE IR |
08DUBAI108 | DUBAI'S PORT RASHID CLOSING TO MAKE WAY FOR DEVELOPMENT [...] (SBU) Summary. In a move aimed at maximizing financial returns on prime central Dubai real estate, Dubai government-controlled port operator DPWorld announced that Dubai's historic Port Rashid will be closed to cargo, commercial and military sea traffic in stages over the next few months, with [...] | 2008-03-23 07:52:00 | Consulate Dubai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV SENV PGOV AE |
08DUBAI148 | IRANIAN TRADE AND TRAVEL TO UAE INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT [...] (C) Summary. During an April 6 visit by Steven Bondy, EEB's Director of Terrorism Finance and Economic Sanctions Policy, Hamad Buamim, Director General of the Dubai Chamber (DC),formerly known as the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, DC Advisor Abdullah Sharafi and JAFZA (the free zone s [...] | 2008-04-16 07:03:00 | Consulate Dubai | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PREL ETRD PGOV AE IR |
08DUBAI166 | RAS AL KHAIMAH, DUBAI "WANNABE"? [...] (C) Summary. Unabashedly stating Ras al Khaimah (RAK) plans to become the UAE's "second Dubai" Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Naqbi, Director General of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the small emirate (roughly 250,000 people) has big plans for its future. Under the forward-leaning and eclec [...] | 2008-04-27 10:57:00 | Consulate Dubai | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EINV ETRD BTIO PGOV ENRG AE |
08DUBAI167 | HOLY IHOTTZ, BATMAN OUTLINES UNLV AND OTHER PLANS FOR HOTEL [...] (C) Summary. In an ambitious bid to meet the region's swiftly growing hospitality training and infrastructure business needs, the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah (RAK) and US development firm Argentum, led by CEO Bobby Batman (also known as Bobby Batmanghelidj),is developing The International Hos [...] | 2008-04-27 11:33:00 | Consulate Dubai | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EINV ETRD SCUL PGOV AE |
08DUBAI227 | CODEL GUTIERREZ ENGAGES DUBAI ENTITIES ON SOVEREIGN WEALTH [...] (U) Summary: UAE Government officials and senior business executives told visiting members of Codel Gutierrez May 28-29 that investments from Dubai-owned companies did not represent a threat to the national security of the United States. The UAE-based officials voiced their concerns that incre [...] | 2008-06-11 13:03:00 | Consulate Dubai | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EINV ETRD BTIO PGOV AE |
08DUBAI229 | CONTINUING POWER PROBLEMS IN RAK [...] (SBU) Summary. The power problems plaguing the ambitious northern emirate of Ras al Khaimah (previously reported ref A) continue to escalate. According to local press reports, the newly completed up-scale Safeer Mall and "dozens of recently finished buildings" have been unable to open due to [...] | 2008-06-15 11:03:00 | Consulate Dubai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ETRD BTIO PGOV ENRG AE |
08DUBAI249 | SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION DISCUSSES REGIONAL TRENDS WITH [...] (SBU) Summary: A Department of Transportation delegation led by Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters visited Dubai May 29 - June 1 to learn about the emirate's rapidly-expanding transportation infrastructure, as well as how this infrastructure will be integrated into the plans for regional [...] | 2008-06-30 12:09:00 | Consulate Dubai | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ETRD ELTN BTIO PGOV SENV AE |
08DUBAI271 | DUBAI MEGA-PROJECTS PART 1: INCREASING THE COASTLINE TEN-FOLD [...] (U) Summary. In support of Dubai's 2015 Strategic Plan, Dubai's parastatal conglomerates and their many subsidiaries (as well as a bevy of private developers)have commenced a staggering number of mega-projects (according to Middle East Economic Digest, the value of planned and underway projects wi [...] | 2008-07-10 14:20:00 | Consulate Dubai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV ETRD PGOV AE |
08DUBAI272 | DUBAI MEGA-PROJECTS PART 2: THE OTHER 90% OF SHEIKH MOHAMMED'S VISION [...] (U) Summary. Taking as gospel Dubai Ruler Sh. Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum's oft quoted line, "what you see is only 10 percent of my vision", Dubai's aggressive 2015 Strategic Plan targets 11% per annum planned real GDP growth with a focus on the six key sectors in which Dubai views itself as hav [...] | 2008-07-10 14:32:00 | Consulate Dubai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV ETRD PGOV AE |
08DUBAI286 | DUBAI INDUSTRIAL CITY: DEVELOPING THE MANUFACTURING AND [...] (U) Summary: A massive and ambitious Dubai Industrial City (DIC) aims to expand an oft-forgotten (and growing) source of Dubai's GDP: manufacturing and industry. Targeting the "transport and logistic services" and "trade and storage" building blocks of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's 2015 Strateg [...] | 2008-07-21 08:56:00 | Consulate Dubai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV ETRD BTIO PGOV ENRG AE |
08DUBAI287 | DUBAI REAL ESTATE MARKET, PART ONE: IMPROVING LEGAL [...] (SBU) Summary: With the opening of land sales to non-nationals through freehold sales in 2002 (refs A, B and C),the Dubai construction and real estate markets began an unprecedented boom phase. By 2006, the real estate and construction sectors comprised roughly 16 percent of total Dubai GDP. [...] | 2008-07-21 11:41:00 | Consulate Dubai | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON EINV ETRD PGOV AE |
08DUBAI330 | 202KG HEROIN SEIZED IN DRUG BUST [...] (U) During a joint Sharjah/Dubai police drug raid dubbed "Operation 888" (the raid occurred on August 8, 2008),officers seized 202 kilograms of heroin (worth $11 million) and arrested 19 Afghans in the what the media describes as the region's largest drug bust to date. One of the arrested susp [...] | 2008-08-19 06:37:00 | Consulate Dubai | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV ECON EFIN ETRD KCRM SNAR AE |
08DUBAI358 | ONGOING CORRUPTION CRACKDOWN IN DUBAI FINANCIAL AND REAL [...] (S) Summary and Comment. Following the public disclosure of a large real estate/financial scandal involving Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB, in which the Dubai Government maintains a 35% stake) and private property developer Deyaar in April, Minister of State for Finance Dr. Mohammed Khalfan bin Kharb [...] | 2008-09-08 08:56:00 | Consulate Dubai | SECRET//NOFORN | PGOV ECON EFIN ETRD KCRM AE |
08DUBAI391 | DUBAI'S CITYSCAPE 2008 - (SUR)REAL ESTATE AMID FINANCIAL [...] (C) Summary: Even as world financial markets tumbled and investor fears over an economic slide grew, bold (and costly) new projects for expanding the "Dubai dream" to even greater heights were unveiled at the seventh annual "Cityscape Dubai" exhibition October 6-9, the commercial to commercial [...] | 2008-10-23 08:53:00 | Consulate Dubai | CONFIDENTIAL | PINV ECON EFIN PGOV ETRD AE |
08DUBAI416 | DIFX TO BECOME NASDAQ DUBAI [...] (C) Summary: Building on last year's deal with NASDAQ (ref a),the Dubai International Financial Market plans to announce its re-branding as "NASDAQ Dubai" in late November. As a continuation of industry trends in exchange management, Borse Dubai CEO Essa Kazim is considering potential NASDAQ [...] | 2008-11-10 09:00:00 | Consulate Dubai | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EINV AE |
08DUBAI417 | DUBAI: SLOWDOWN, CORRECTION OR CRISIS? [...] (C/NF) Summary. The extent of Dubai's financial troubles has become the most speculated about topic amongst the Emirate's financial elite. As the regional symbol of growth and prosperity, a crisis here would almost certainly impact upon investment in Abu Dhabi and beyond. Even as the investme [...] | 2008-11-10 09:01:00 | Consulate Dubai | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EFIN ECON EINV ENRG PGOV AE |
08DUBAI441 | AA/S MCNERNEY'S MEETINGS WITH THE AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL [...] (SBU) Summary: Acting Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation Patricia McNerney visited Dubai on October 16 to discuss counter proliferation cooperation and export control issues related to Iran (see septel for meeting with MG Mohammed Al Qemzi). McNerney discusse [...] | 2008-11-25 15:25:00 | Consulate Dubai | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL IR ENRG ETTC ECON KNNP KCEM KOMC AE |
08DUBAI442 | AA/S MCNERNEY'S MEETINGS WITH MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMED AL [...] (S) Summary: On October 16, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation Patricia McNerney visited Dubai to discuss export control issues related to Iran with government officials and the private sector (see septel for other meetings). McNerney met with [...] | 2008-11-25 15:26:00 | Consulate Dubai | SECRET | PREL IR ENRG ETTC ECON KNNP KCEM KOMC AE |
08DUBAI443 | AA/S MCNERNEY'S MEETINGS WITH THE AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL [...] (SBU) Summary: Acting Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation Patricia McNerney visited Dubai on October 16 to discuss counter proliferation cooperation and export control issues related to Iran (see septel for meeting with MG Mohammed Al Qemzi). McNerney discusse [...] | 2008-11-25 15:27:00 | Consulate Dubai | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL IR ENRG ETTC ECON KNNP KCEM KOMC AE |
08DUBAI444 | AA/S MCNERNEY'S MEETINGS WITH THE AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL [...] (SBU) Summary: Acting Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation Patricia McNerney visited Dubai on October 16 to discuss counter proliferation cooperation and export control issues related to Iran (see septel for meeting with MG Mohammed Al Qemzi). McNerney discusse [...] | 2008-11-25 15:28:00 | Consulate Dubai | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL IR ENRG ETTC ECON KNNP KCEM KOMC AE |
08DUBAI445 | AA/S MCNERNEY'S MEETINGS WITH THE AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL [...] (SBU) Summary: Acting Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation Patricia McNerney visited Dubai on October 16 to discuss counter proliferation cooperation and export control issues related to Iran (see septel for meeting with MG Mohammed Al Qemzi). McNerney discusse [...] | 2008-11-25 15:29:00 | Consulate Dubai | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL IR ENRG ETTC ECON KNNP KCEM KOMC AE |
08DUBAI464 | MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE - DUBAI'S MONEY PROBLEMS, AND ITS [...] (C/NF) Summary. Through the fog of Dubai's image management machine, there are signs of economic vulnerability. From official upset regarding an analysis critical of Dubai's finances, to (unconfirmed) reports of substantially decreased passenger loads on Emirates Airlines and murmurings of ev [...] | 2008-12-15 09:01:00 | Consulate Dubai | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EFIN ECON EINV PREL PGOV AE |
08DUBLIN148 | IRISH RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE ON TAIWAN'S [...] (SBU) On March 18, Econoff delivered Ref A points to John Rowan, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs' chief for multilateral economic organizations -- and former Irish Ambassador to the OECD. Rowan said that Ireland shared the U.S. view on the matter and would support our position. He po [...] | 2008-03-19 16:04:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON OECD PREL CM TW EI |
08DUBLIN192 | SCENESETTER FOR IRISH PRIME MINISTER'S ADDRESS TO [...] (C) Prime Minister (Taoiseach, TEE-SHUCK) Bertie Ahern's address to a Joint Session of Congress on April 30 will be framed by the Northern Ireland peace process, Irish economic growth (the "Celtic Tiger"),Ireland's view of its place in the world, and Ahern's announcement that he will step dow [...] | 2008-04-11 14:38:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON ETRD EINV EAIR MOPPS MARR EI |
08DUBLIN219 | Irish Farmers Protest Government's WTO Stance [...] Irish farmers took part in a peaceful demonstration in Dublin in protest against the current EU stance at WTO negotiations on April 17. The protest took place as European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso addressed a forum discussing the future of the EU. Reportedly 10,000 farmers fro [...] | 2008-04-28 06:34:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON ETRD EU EI |
08DUBLIN228 | IRELAND GRAPPLING WITH CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY [...] (C) Summary: The Irish government is developing policy measures to deal with environment/energy concerns, including climate change, energy security, and power generation and distribution. A lack of indigenous energy resources has focused the government on a mix of energy efficiency and renewa [...] | 2008-04-30 06:59:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG EPET ECON PREL PGOV KGHG SENV EI |
08DUBLIN240 | RESPONSE: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES - IRELAND [...] Summary: Despite being a surplus producer of meat and livestock products, Irish consumers have in recent months seen a sharp and sudden increase in food prices especially in two commodities - milk and bread. While there has been media attention given to the rise in prices, consumers seem to [...] | 2008-05-02 13:15:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EAID ECON ETRD PGOV PREL EU EI |
08DUBLIN250 | BRIAN COWEN: IT,S OKAY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICE JOBS [...] (U) On April 14, Irish Finance Minister Brian Cowen (who will become Ireland,s next Prime Minister on May 7) and Northern Ireland Finance Minister Peter Robinson (who will become the FirstMinister of the Northern Ireland Assembly in Jun) announced that their respective governments would facil [...] | 2008-05-07 13:24:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON EI |
08DUBLIN260 | BRIAN COWEN BECOMES PRIME MINISTER OF IRELAND; [...] (SBU) During the afternoon of May 7, the lower house of the Irish Parliament (Dail) elected Fianna Fail leader Brian Cowen as Prime Minister (Taoiseach) of Ireland (reftel). Following his investiture by Irish President Mary McAleese, Cowen announced that his first task would be to ensure rati [...] | 2008-05-12 06:53:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR ECON EI |
08DUBLIN273 | TAOISEACH BRIAN COWEN NAMES JUNIOR MINISTERS [...] Following his reshuffle of the Cabinet on May 7 (reftel),Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Brian Cowen received Cabinet approval on May 13 to appoint 16 Ministers of State (commonly referred to as Junior Ministers). Five new Ministers of State were appointed in a shake-up of the junior minist [...] | 2008-05-16 16:07:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL PINR ECON EI |
08DUBLIN274 | IRELAND'S AID TO AFGHANISTAN [...] (U) Ireland pledged 5 million euro ($7.75 million) in aid to Afghanistan at the 2006 London Conference, all of which has been fully discharged, according to Director Emma Leonard, Emergency and Recovery Section, Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs, to whom POLOFF delivered reftel demarche [...] | 2008-05-16 16:08:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON EFIN KDEM PGOV PREL EI |
08DUBLIN289 | SCENESETTER FOR VISIT OF CODEL LEAHY TO IRELAND [...] (U) CODEL Leahy will arrive against a backdrop of a new Irish Government led by Prime Minister Brian Cowen, the continuing successful peace process in Northern Ireland, a slowing, but still world-class economic growth -- the "Celtic Tiger" -- and an Ireland that is increasingly engaged in for [...] | 2008-05-21 15:56:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON ETRD EINV EAIR MOPPS MARR EI |
08DUBLIN306 | FOREIGN AFFAIRS TOUR D'HORIZON WITH IRISH MINISTER [...] (C) Ambassador, Defense Attache, and POLOFF met with Irish Minister for Defense Willie O'Dea on May 28, 2008. O'Dea voiced unqualified support for a proposed immigration, customs, and agriculture full aviation pre-clearance agreement between Ireland and the U.S., saying that the Irish Governm [...] | 2008-05-28 16:35:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON EAIR PHUM MOPS MARR PARM NATO |
08DUBLIN338 | CODEL LEAHY TALKS NORTHERN IRELAND, IMMIGRATION, [...] (C) Summary: Senators Patrick Leahy, Thad Cochran, and Richard Shelby visited Ireland May 24-27, 2008, meeting Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Brian Cowen, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan, Foreign Minister Micheal Martin, and President Mary McAleese. Headlining the Irish agenda was to say "th [...] | 2008-06-11 10:15:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | OVIP PGOV PREL ECON CONS EI |
08DUBLIN339 | IRISH VIEWS ON FAO/WHO CODEX ALIMENTARIUS [...] ECONOFF delivered reftel demarche on June 9, 2008 to Richard Howell, Head of the Research, Food, and Codex Coordination Division of the Department of Agriculture. Howell said that the Irish government was still considering its position regarding the chairpersonship. He said that there has bee [...] | 2008-06-11 11:31:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO KPAO EI |
08DUBLIN340 | IRISH VIEWS ON FAO/WHO CODEX ALIMENTARIUS [...] (C) Ref A corrected to include classifier. 2. (C) ECONOFF delivered reftel demarche on June 9, 2008 to Richard Howell, Head of the Research, Food, and Codex Coordination Division of the Department of Agriculture. Howell said that the Irish government was still considering its position reg [...] | 2008-06-11 12:14:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | KPAO EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO EI |
08DUBLIN361 | IRELAND WILL NOT VETO WTO DEAL DESPITE PROMISE TO [...] (C) Summary: On June 3, Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen said he was "prepared" to veto a WTO deal that is "unacceptable" to Ireland (Ref B). The Irish Farmers Association (IFA),upset with the EU's handling of the WTO negotiations (Ref C),had put pressure on Cowen to promise a veto. On the [...] | 2008-06-17 15:53:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | EAGR ECON ETRD PREL PGOV EI |
08DUBLIN362 | IRISH AGRICULTURE, THE DOHA ROUND, AND BIOTECH [...] (C) Summary: Econoffs spoke recently with senior Irish trade and agriculture officials regarding the points in Refs B and C. While they agreed that a WTO deal is even more important now with recent food price concerns, both were concerned about the prospect of an imminent conclusion to the Do [...] | 2008-06-17 15:58:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD EAGR ECON EU EI |
08DUBLIN389 | BRIAN COWEN: NO SOLUTION TO THE LISBON CRISIS BUT [...] (C) During the Ambassador's meeting with Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen on June 26, 2008 (their first formal meeting since Cowen assumed his new position as Taoiseach),Cowen affirmed continued Irish support for U.S. activities in Shannon and expanded CBP pre-clearance operations. Cowen ur [...] | 2008-06-27 14:40:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | EAIR ECON ENRG ETRD EUN PGOV PREL EINV |
08DUBLIN409 | IRELAND'S RESPONSE TO UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION ISSUES [...] (U) On July 1, 2008 POLOFF delivered demarche (reftel) to Ann Monaghan, Higher Executive Officer of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Monaghan said that Ireland has not committed its support to any candidate for a seat on the Universal Postal Union Council of Ad [...] | 2008-07-09 12:28:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC ECON ETRD WTRO EI |
08DUBLIN416 | IRISH ECONOMIC DOLDRUMS: THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE. [...] (C) Summary: The Irish government's announcement that public finances have deteriorated rapidly has prompted a mid-year re-think on the government's budget. Driven by a construction-led downturn in the broader economy, the government will cut public spending this year by USD 660 million and n [...] | 2008-07-15 10:50:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN EINV PREL EI |
08DUBLIN431 | IRISH DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ASSESSES LISBON TREATY [...] (C) On July 15, 2008 Deputy Prime Minister (Tanaiste) and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan told the Ambassador that it was "not possible" for the Irish Government to be ready by mid-October to propose a way forward to the European Council following the unexpected de [...] | 2008-07-22 14:52:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON EFIN ETRD EUN PINR EI |
08DUBLIN508 | THE IRISH ECONOMY -- ON A SLIPPERY SLOPE [...] (C) Summary: The slumping Irish economy and reduced government tax take have compelled Prime Minister Brian Cowen to advance the 2008 budget by two months. Sharp spending cuts are likely. However, it is unclear how far the Irish government will go to reverse the slide of the economy. Irish m [...] | 2008-09-08 15:47:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PREL EI |
08DUBLIN51 | IRELAND -- INVESTMENT CLIMATE STATEMENT 2008 [...] Per reftel, the following is Embassy Dublin's 2008 Investment Climate Statement submission. 2. The text of the submission follows. BEGIN TEXT ---------- IRISH GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE TOWARDS FOREIGN INVESTMENT The Irish Government actively promotes foreign direct investment (FDI),[...] | 2008-01-28 13:41:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN PGOV OPIC KTDB USTR EI |
08DUBLIN54 | AMBASSADOR TALKS PHILANTHROPY AND ECONOMY WITH [...] (SBU) Summary. On January 23, the Ambassador met with Finance Minister Brian Cowen to gauge the Minister's attitude toward tax and other legislative changes aimed at increasing charitable giving in Ireland in advance of the Ambassador's February 21 Philanthropy Symposium. They also briefly di [...] | 2008-01-30 09:23:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PGOV EI |
08DUBLIN545 | IRELAND'S SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP DEAL'S GOOD ENOUGH -- [...] (C) Summary: On September 18 the parties to the Social Partnership talks (principally business groups and trade unions) agreed on a provisional deal that, among other things, would freeze public sector wages for the next 11 months. A leading business representative told us this is the best de [...] | 2008-10-01 12:25:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN ETRD PREL PGOV EI |
08DUBLIN556 | THE BANK GUARANTEE: AN IRISH SOLUTION TO AN IRISH [...] (C) Summary: On September 29, the Irish government announced plans to back deposits in all Irish-domiciled banks. Foreign banks with significant Irish operations were initially left out of the scheme but some look now to be included. Irish government officials maintain that impaired assets at Irish [...] | 2008-10-09 10:21:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN ECON PREL PGOV EI |
08DUBLIN571 | IRELAND'S 2009 BUDGET: PUNTING THE PROBLEM DOWN [...] (C) Against the backdrop of a steadily worsening fiscal balance, the Irish government delivered its 2009 budget on October 14. In his budget speech Minister of Finance Brian Lenihan emphasized that this budget required shared sacrifice from all Irish citizens. The government expects a 6.5 pe [...] | 2008-10-15 16:37:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PREL PGOV EI |
08DUBLIN573 | IRISH GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES BANK GUARANTEE DETAILS [...] (U) Summary: On October 15, the Irish government laid out the details of the bank guarantee plan it announced on September 29 (Ref A). The key provision is that the banks will pay the Irish government Euro 1 billion over the two-year life of the guarantee. Since the announcement of the guara [...] | 2008-10-16 15:01:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PREL PGOV EI |
08DUBLIN602 | IRISH ESTABLISH CABINET COMMITTEE TO REVIEW [...] (C) The Irish government has established a Cabinet-level committee to review Ireland's human rights policies ) and has given the committee a mandate to approach the incoming U.S. administration to review concerns about renditions, the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and intensive interr [...] | 2008-11-03 18:28:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM EAIR ECON MARR EI |
08DUBLIN603 | IRISH ESTABLISH CABINET COMMITTEE TO REVIEW [...] (C) The Irish government has established a Cabinet-level committee to review Ireland's human rights policies - and has given the committee a mandate to approach the incoming U.S. administration to review concerns about renditions, the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and intensive interr [...] | 2008-11-04 15:38:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM EAIR ECON MARR EI |
08DUBLIN609 | SCENESETTER FOR VISIT OF CODEL LEAHY TO IRELAND [...] (U) Embassy Dublin welcomes Senator Leahy to Ireland. The Senator will arrive against a backdrop of an Irish Government led by Prime Minister Brian Cowen that is facing economic woes and uncertain relations with the European Union following its rejection of the Lisbon Treaty in a referendum i [...] | 2008-11-06 18:38:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON ETRD EINV EAIR SENV MOPPS MARR |
08DUBLIN616 | SCENESETTER FOR VISIT OF DEPUTY SECRETARY [...] (U) Welcome to Ireland. We look forward to your visit. You will arrive against a backdrop of an Irish Government led by Prime Minister Brian Cowen that is facing economic woes and uncertain relations with the European Union following its rejection of the Lisbon Treaty in a referendum in June [...] | 2008-11-12 16:53:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON ETRD EINV EAIR SENV MOPPS MARR |
08DUBLIN640 | IRISH RESPONSE ON EU BIOFUELS SUSTAINABILITY [...] On November 26, Econoff delivered reftel demarche to Martin Finucane, Principal, Sustainable and Renewable Energy Division at the Department of Communication, Energy, and Natural Resources. Finucane said that the Irish government will review the U.S. government's position as it prepares for t [...] | 2008-11-26 15:53:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR KGHG SENV ENRG TRGY EUN ECON EI |
08DUBLIN653 | THE IRISH ECONOMY -- FEW OPTIONS LEFT [...] (C) Summary: Irish government officials told Emboffs that in the current economic environment it is "almost impossible" to come up with a plan to right the Irish economy. The government will not issue a mini-budget early in 2009 but it looks likely that there will be "adjustments" to the budge [...] | 2008-12-03 09:27:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN ECON ETRD PREL EI |
08DUBLIN662 | SCENESETTER FOR VISIT OF CODEL DODD TO IRELAND [...] (U) Embassy Dublin welcomes Senator Dodd to Ireland. The Senator will arrive against a backdrop of an Irish Government led by Prime Minister Brian Cowen that is facing economic woes, uncertain relations with the European Union following its rejection of the Lisbon Treaty in a referendum in J [...] | 2008-12-07 10:44:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON ETRD EINV EAIR SENV MOPPS MARR |
08DUBLIN671 | Dioxins in Irish Meat Sparks Recall [...] Summary. The Irish agriculture industry has been thrown into a pre-Christmas crisis with the discovery of dioxins in pork, followed by the discovery of dioxins, albeit at significantly lower levels, in beef. Feedstuffs from a single feed-mill were the source of the dioxin and the Irish author [...] | 2008-12-10 13:50:00 | Embassy Dublin | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON ETRD EU EI |
08DUBLIN678 | IRISH IMMIGRATION: ECONOMIC DISTRESS LEADS TO [...] (C) Summary: The Irish economic slowdown will turn a net inflow of migrants into a net outflow and will result in a population growth decline, with Dublin possibly seeing a drop in population. Migrants from EU countries are quite responsive to economic conditions and appear to be leaving to l [...] | 2008-12-12 14:37:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | SMIG PGOV PREL KHLS EI ECON |
08DURBAN77 | PARTIES DEBATE ECONOMIC POLICIES AHEAD OF 2009 ELECTIONS [...] (SBU) Summary: On November 26, 2008 South African political parties confirmed their optimism about the future of the South African economy and highlighted areas of concern in a lively university-sponsored debate in Durban. The political party representatives did not have major ideological or po [...] | 2008-12-15 10:36:00 | Consulate Durban | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EFIN SF |
08DUSHANBE106 | DUSHANBE CONSUMERS TAKE A HIT [...] (SBU) Summary: While food shortages and lack of power hit rural areas of Tajikistan hardest, the Government has tried to spare Dushanbe these difficulties, to avoid unrest close to the center of power. This winter is the coldest in decades. While freezing temperatures and snow persist, years [...] | 2008-01-17 08:34:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON TI |
08DUSHANBE1075 | TAJIKISTAN - PRESIDENT RAHMON LAUNCHES INVESTMENT COUNCIL [...] (U) This message is sensitive but unclassified. Please protect accordingly. 2. (SBU) Summary: President Rahmon chaired the first ever meeting of the Investment Council on July 31. While much of the meeting was dedicated to preliminary organizational matters, the President expounded on sev [...] | 2008-08-18 03:07:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAID EINV PGOV PREL USTR TI |
08DUSHANBE1083 | TAJIKISTAN: A BAD MOON RISING? [...] (C) Summary: A prominent politician and a political analyst do not foresee significant political changes in Tajikistan in the next few years. President Rahmon is a clever politician who has learned to resolve conflicts between factions and prevented serious challenges to his rule. However, h [...] | 2008-08-20 11:29:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM ECON TI |
08DUSHANBE1099 | FARCE DE TRIOMPHE - DUSHANBE CHANNELS PARIS AS IT [...] (C) Summary: As with last year's CIS summit, the Tajik Government is using the occasion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit to show off a city with new monuments, smooth and painted grand avenues, park restorations, elaborate and luxurious hospitality, and numerous cultural e [...] | 2008-08-26 04:17:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM ECON EINV PREL TI |
08DUSHANBE1136 | TAJIKISTAN - BOEINGS ALL OVER, COMPLICATION SOARS [...] (U) This message is sensitive but unclassified. Please protect accordingly. 2. (SBU) Summary: Boeing seems set to significantly expand its presence in Tajikistan over the next few months. But we expect turbulence on the route to improved airline services here, as the two airlines in quest [...] | 2008-09-11 05:36:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD PGOV EAIR TI |
08DUSHANBE1154 | TAJIKISTAN - NORTHERN REGION'S ISOLATION WILL END, SOMEDAY [...] (U) This message is sensitive but unclassified. Please protect accordingly. 2. (SBU) Summary: The isolation of Tajikistan's second city and historic leading economic center will continue to retard the country's economic development. Khujand suffers from chronic electricity shortages and i [...] | 2008-09-16 05:01:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PGOV TI |
08DUSHANBE120 | FY07 BFIF REPORTING FROM DUSHANBE [...] Per reftel A, Embassy Dushanbe submits the following report regarding participation in the Business Facilitation Incentive Fund (BFIF) program in FY 2007. Post again thanks the Economic Bureau for its support for these two successful programs. 2. Dushanbe - Regional Transportation Infrast [...] | 2008-01-18 10:10:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED | AFIN BEXP BTIO ECON EINV ETRD ADPM TI |
08DUSHANBE1267 | TAJIKISTAN - FOOD SECURITY TAKES CENTER STAGE [...] (U) This message is sensitive but unclassified. Please protect accordingly. 2. (SBU) Summary: Food security in Tajikistan likely will continue to decline, and the inability of many Tajiks to buy sufficient food likely will worsen in the coming winter. President Rahmon is calling for more [...] | 2008-10-06 02:57:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PGOV PHUM EAID TI |
08DUSHANBE1343 | THE PAMIRS - GOING THEIR OWN WAY, WHETHER THEY [...] (C) Summary: Contacts in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) say regional disaffection from the central government is less pronounced than political leaders in Dushanbe think. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is making GBAO an example of liberal economic development and better ed [...] | 2008-10-24 10:39:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EAID PHUM PREL ECON EINV SENV TI |
08DUSHANBE1347 | US-FUNDED AG PROGRAM PREPARES RASHT VALLEY FOR WINTER [...] (U) Summary: Econoff and USAID representative traveled to the Rasht Valley town of Gharm, four hours northeast of Dushanbe, to attend an agricultural exhibition organized by USAID grantee Mercy Corps. The event highlighted Mercy Corps' efforts to help residents increase food production and pre [...] | 2008-10-28 10:22:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PGOV EAID TI |
08DUSHANBE1350 | SCENESETTER FOR DAS KROL VISIT NOVEMBER 10-13 [...] (U) Embassy Dushanbe looks forward to the upcoming visit of DAS George Krol. Following is a brief overview of the current situation in Tajikistan and our thoughts on the key issues DAS Krol will confront during his visit. POLITICAL OVERVIEW - STAGNATION IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY 2. (C) Li [...] | 2008-10-30 11:49:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL EAID ECON EINV PGOV PHUM TI |
08DUSHANBE1370 | TAJIKISTAN: ANNUAL ENERGY CRISIS COULD BE EVEN MORE [...] (SBU) Summary. On November 1, Tajikistan began receiving energy from Turkmenistan as part of an agreement to import 1.2 billion kilowatt-hours this winter. A separate arrangement to import 600 million kWh from Uzbekistan is still some distance from being realized. The Turkmenistan deal, whic [...] | 2008-11-03 11:44:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV PHUM ECON EAID TI |
08DUSHANBE1401 | TAJIKISTAN - DAS GEORGE KROL'S MEETINGS WITH TAJIK [...] (C) Summary: During his three-day visit to Tajikistan, DAS Krol met with representatives of local businesses and foreign investors, international donors, civil society, and journalists. He visited the U.S.-funded bridge to Afghanistan at Nizhniy Pyanj, and Food for Peace-funded agricultural t [...] | 2008-11-18 14:18:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON EINV PREL PHUM PGOV TI |
08DUSHANBE1402 | RAHMON HOLDS FORTH - DAS KROL'S MEETINGS WITH [...] (C) Summary: In a two and half hour meeting on November 11, Rahmon urged greater U.S. attention to Afghanistan and the problem of narcotics trafficking, and said the global financial crisis was affecting Tajikistan because of lower prices for aluminum and cotton. While claiming Tajikistan was [...] | 2008-11-19 03:09:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON EINV PREL PGOV PHUM TI |
08DUSHANBE1470 | TALCO SETTLES MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR LAWSUIT IN BRITISH [...] (SBU) Summary. On November 27, Tajik Aluminum Company (Talco),Tajikistan's largest enterprise, settled a three-year lawsuit in British courts against former Talco managers and suppliers, whom it alleged defrauded the company of $500 million. Details of the settlement have not been released, [...] | 2008-12-08 08:08:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EIND EMIN PGOV TI |
08DUSHANBE1501 | IMF Says Tajik Economic Outlook Rosy, Others Doubtful. [...] (SBU) Summary: Despite the world financial crisis, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has made a number of positive projections about Tajikistan's economy over the coming year, including GDP growth of 5-6%, a drop in inflation, and continued record high remittance levels. The IMF predicts t [...] | 2008-12-11 11:07:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON ETRD PGOV TI |
08DUSHANBE1502 | IMF Says Tajik Economic Outlook Rosy; Others Doubtful [...] (SBU) Summary: Despite the world financial crisis, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has made a number of positive projections about Tajikistan's economy over the coming year, including GDP growth of 5-6%, a drop in inflation, and continued record high remittance levels. The IMF predicts t [...] | 2008-12-12 03:06:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON ETRD PGOV TI |
08DUSHANBE1518 | Crucial Remittances to Tajikistan Will Slow; But How Much? [...] (SBU) Summary: Remittances from relatives working abroad, particularly in Russia, form a crucial source of income for many families in Tajikistan, which in turn helps maintain economic and political stability in this poor and historically fractious country. Many here are worried about whether [...] | 2008-12-16 12:04:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON ETRD PGOV ELAB TI |
08DUSHANBE1548 | Audits of Three Major Tajik Concerns May Not Reveal Much [...] (SBU) Summary: The international donor community in Tajikistan is eagerly awaiting the results of audits of three key institutions: the National Bank of Tajikistan, the state electrical company Barki Tojik, and the country's largest industrial concern, the Talco aluminum smelter. The audits we [...] | 2008-12-19 12:00:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON ETRD PGOV ELAB TI |
08DUSHANBE1554 | Report on Tajikistan's Ruby Industry [...] (U) This message is sensitive but unclassified. Please protect accordingly. 2. (U) Embassy staff met with Isojon Kurbanov, Deputy Head of the Mining Department in the Tajik Ministry of Energy and Industry to discuss reftel. According to Kurbanov, in Tajikistan state authorities control an [...] | 2008-12-22 09:20:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EMIN ECON PREL EFIN TI |
08DUSHANBE1582 | OPEN SKIES DEMARCHE AND AVIATION SECTOR DEVELOPMENTS [...] (SBU) Summary: The Minister of Transport viewed our offer to explore an Open Skies agreement as a chance to get more aid from the United States. He suggested Tajikistan would move slowly on Open Skies, seeking a bilateral agreement before considering a regional agreement, and would move slowly [...] | 2008-12-31 09:18:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON ETRD PGOV TI |
08DUSHANBE168 | Tajik Government Flounders as Electricity Threatens to Run [...] (SBU) Summary: The Government of Tajikistan has announced that the reservoir feeding the Nurek power station, the country's largest source of electricity, might run out of water by February 6. Extreme low temperatures have reduced inflow, causing the reservoir to drop to critical levels. A Nu [...] | 2008-01-29 06:35:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ENRG ECON TI |
08DUSHANBE198 | MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS APPEALS FOR AES TO [...] (C) Summary: At a January 30 meeting with several diplomatic missions and the regional AES representative, Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi called on AES to stay in Tajikistan. AES did not change its decision to withdraw, but characterized its move as a suspension rather than closure. Tajiki [...] | 2008-02-06 13:55:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG EINV ECON PREL TI |
08DUSHANBE210 | Tajik Commercial Air Service Modernization - Baby Steps [...] (SBU) In the past six months Tajik Air, the state-owned national carrier, has acquired four Boeing aircraft, all on wet-lease. It's not quite the improvement that it seems. The first two aircraft acquired were 25-year old Boeing 737s. They are not allowed to land in Russia or the European Un [...] | 2008-02-07 12:10:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EAIR TI |
08DUSHANBE215 | Tajikistan's National Budget - The Best Parts are Hidden [...] (SBU) Summary: The Government's 2008 budget is much larger than last year's, and assumes much greater revenues. Developed in a totally non-transparent manner, the document hides the true extent of presidential spending. End Summary. 2. (U) In November 2007 media conveyed a brief statement [...] | 2008-02-07 12:18:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV EFIN ECON TI |
08DUSHANBE269 | SOMON AIR - "PRIVATE" IN NAME ONLY. [...] (SBU) Summary: On February 6 EmbOff experienced the pleasure of flying Tajikistan's "first private airline," Somon Air, aboard its wet-leased Turkish Pegasus Airlines Boeing 737-800. Minor intercultural hiccups aside, the flight was normal, and an improvement on the standards of state-owned Ta [...] | 2008-02-21 13:38:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD EAIR TI |
08DUSHANBE338 | TAJIKISTAN - REPORT ON FISCAL TRANSPARENCY [...] Following is post's response to reftel tasking. Begin Text: Transparency and accountability of government fiscal actions is poor in Tajikistan, and although the government has made efforts to improve this state of affairs since independence in 1991, progress is inconsistent. The Tajik econo [...] | 2008-03-03 06:52:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON PREL TI |
08DUSHANBE375 | TAJIKISTAN - SPECIAL 301 REVIEW [...] SUMMARY: Post recommends that Tajikistan remain on the Special 301 Watch List. Tajikistan has taken some steps over the past year to improve protection of intellectual property, but much work remains to be done. End Summary. 2. Advances in the past year included: -- passage of a Law on [...] | 2008-03-06 03:13:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED | ECIN ETTC ECON ETRD PGOV EAID TI |
08DUSHANBE444 | TAJIKISTAN - SCENE SETTER FOR APRIL 1-3 VISIT BY [...] (U) Embassy Dushanbe looks forward to the upcoming visit by DAS Pamela Spratlen. Following is a brief overview of the current situation in Tajikistan, and our thoughts on the key issues DAS Spratlen will confront during her visit. Political and Economic Overview ---------------------------- [...] | 2008-03-31 03:02:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON EINV PREL PGOV PHUM TI |
08DUSHANBE490 | TAJIKISTAN COTTON SECTOR HEADING FOR MORE TROUBLE, AS IS [...] Summary: Visits to cotton growing regions and conversations with contacts in the Government of Tajikistan and in the development community show that the Government, despite declarations of "freedom to farm," is continuing its usual practice of coercing farmers to grow cotton. The "profitabilit [...] | 2008-04-09 07:53:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EINV ECON PGOV TI |
08DUSHANBE492 | TAJIKISTAN - SCA/ADAS SPRATLEN GETS A MIXED [...] (U) Summary: SCA A/DAS Pamela Spratlen told the senior presidential economics adviser that Tajikistan's misreporting to the IMF had seriously damaged the GOTI's credibility, and Tajikistan needed to act quickly to repair it. Her interlocutor indicated he understood her message and was aware o [...] | 2008-04-09 10:07:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON EINV PREL PGOV TI |
08DUSHANBE494 | TAJIKISTAN - A/DAS PAMELA SPRATLEN'S DISCUSSIONS [...] (U) Summary: On April 2, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Asia and Public Diplomacy Pamela Spratlen told senior GOTI officials that the United States supported the OSCE Chairman in Office's (CiO) proposal as the basis for negotiation on renewal of the OSCE mandate in Tajikistan. H [...] | 2008-04-09 10:30:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON EINV PREL PHUM TI |
08DUSHANBE512 | TAJIKISTAN - CONVICTION OF PROMINENT ENTREPRENEUR [...] (SBU) On April 8, a court in Tajikistan convicted Marouf Orifov, the majority owner of the Orima supermarket chain, of tax evasion and bribery, and sentenced him to 8 years and 6 months imprisonment. The case is an example of the country's oppressive business environment, and the ruthless mann [...] | 2008-04-10 09:33:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON PHUM EINV TI |
08DUSHANBE515 | THE ORIMA DEFENSE TEAM SPEAKS; BUT WHAT ARE THEY [...] (SBU) Summary: Post reported in reftel on the April 8 conviction of local entrepreneur Marouf Orifov, majority owner of the ORIMA chain of supermarkets, for bribery and tax evasion. Orifov's defense team corroborated the generally held view that the trial lacked basic elements of fairness. Wh [...] | 2008-04-14 06:58:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM EINV ECON TI |
08DUSHANBE516 | TAJIKISTAN - BACK IN THE USSR AT TALCO [...] (U) Summary: TALCO, Tajikistan's state-owned aluminum company, which accounts for perhaps one third of the country's gross domestic product, faces a number of challenges. During a recent visit to the plant, EmbOffs observed that the Soviet-style company remains dependent on electricity at belo [...] | 2008-04-14 07:52:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV ETRD EINV ECON TI |
08DUSHANBE517 | Tajikistan: Economic Tour de Table [...] (U) Summary: Treasury Attache Tom Lanier's March 24-31 visit highlighted several challenges the country's financial institutions and large enterprises face. Meetings with government officials, international organizations, and business leaders showed the economy in poor shape, but not a total l [...] | 2008-04-14 07:53:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ETRD EINV ECON PREL PGOV TI |
08DUSHANBE521 | TAJIKISTAN'S CIVIL SOCIETY AND BUSINESS LEADERS NEED RULE [...] (U) Sensitive But Unclassified - Not for Internet Distribution. 2. (SBU) Summary. Tajikistan's business advocates and civil leaders cited corruption and the lack of coherent laws and policies as the greatest impediments to business or reforming social institutions. In separate open and free- [...] | 2008-04-15 07:31:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL ECON KPAO TI |
08DUSHANBE522 | FEED THE PEOPLE; STARVE EXTREMISM: CONTINUING NEEDS FOR [...] Embassy Dushanbe appreciates the opportunity for senior review of its Mission Strategic Plan via digital video conference April 10 (ref A). The robust attendance from representatives of State and other agencies clearly demonstrated a keen level of interest in several of our most pressing iss [...] | 2008-04-15 07:33:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EAGR ECON PHUM PREL WFP TI |
08DUSHANBE550 | RESPONSE: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES - [...] The following responds to Ref A's request to provide a short summary of the impact of food and agricultural commodity price increases and to catalogue previous reporting on the subject. 2. Rising food prices are having a direct and detrimental impact on all of Embassy Dushanbe's central st [...] | 2008-04-22 13:30:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PGOV PREL TI |
08DUSHANBE573 | TAJIKISTAN'S NORTH: OVEREDUCATED AND OVERLOOKED [...] (SBU) Summary: During multiple trips to the northern city of Khujand, Emboffs have noticed an increasing sense of disenfranchisement among the well-educated and cosmopolitan population. The near-complete absence of northerners in the Government, and the recent harsh winter conditions during wh [...] | 2008-04-24 05:36:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON TI |
08DUSHANBE634 | TAJIKISTAN - WHY AMERICAN CORNERS MATTER [...] (U) Sensitive But Unclassified - Not for Internet Distribution. 2. (SBU) Summary. Despite widespread academic corruption and crumbling infrastructure, Tajik students and instructors are striving to achieve, as Public Affairs Officer and visiting Information Resources Officer learned during a [...] | 2008-05-06 03:09:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL ECON KPAO TI |
08DUSHANBE649 | TAJIKISTAN - FOOD INSECURITY LIKELY TO WORSEN [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Alanna Shaikh, EUR/ACE Central Asia Country Assistance Coordinator, visited Tajikistan from April 24 to May 1 to assess humanitarian assistance needs. She confirmed that food security problems persist (reftel A) and that they will worsen in the coming year without intervention b [...] | 2008-05-07 12:41:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EAGR EFIN ECON PREL PGOV TI |
08DUSHANBE650 | TAJIKISTAN - FOOD INSECURITY LIKELY TO WORSEN [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Alanna Shaikh, EUR/ACE Central Asia Country Assistance Coordinator, visited Tajikistan from April 24 to May 1 to assess humanitarian assistance needs. She confirmed that food security problems persist (reftel A) and that they will worsen in the coming year without intervention b [...] | 2008-05-07 12:41:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EAGR EFIN ECON PREL PGOV TI |
08DUSHANBE654 | TAJIKISTAN - KHOROG'S QUIET DISCONTENTS [...] (C) Summary: During an April 24-25 visit to Khorog, the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan encompassing the Pamir mountains, conversations with civil society, political figures, and administrators showed a region with severe economic difficulties, resentment of the [...] | 2008-05-08 07:14:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON PREL PGOV PHUM TI |
08DUSHANBE680 | TAJIKISTAN - THE PRESIDENT'S MODEL GOVERNOR [...] (SBU) Summary. In Tajikistan's impoverished Shahritus District, Ambassador met local government and NGO leaders struggling to make agriculture viable despite the harsh conditions. President Rahmon has publicly held up Kulmurod Rahmonov, the district governor, as an example for other governors [...] | 2008-05-16 11:52:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL ECON KPAO TI |
08DUSHANBE735 | TAJIKISTAN - VISIT TO RASHT VALLEY HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF [...] Summary: Ambassador spent two days in the poor but picturesque Rasht Valley this week, meeting with local government officials, U.S. Government grantees, and visiting villages receiving the final food distribution from the Food for Peace (P.L. 480) Program (FFP),through USAID implementing part [...] | 2008-05-30 12:28:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EAID ASEC TI |
08DUSHANBE760 | TAJIKISTAN - SCENESETTER FOR JUNE 16-19 VISIT OF [...] (U) Embassy Dushanbe looks forward to the upcoming visit of DAS George Krol. Following is a brief overview of the current situation in Tajikistan and our thoughts on the key issues DAS Krol will confront during his visit. Political Overview - Cracks in the Facade --------------------------- [...] | 2008-06-09 13:27:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON EINV PREL PGOV PHUM TI |
08DUSHANBE774 | TOURISM IN TAJIKISTAN: COME EXPERIENCE OUR BEAUTIFUL [...] (U) Sensitive But Unclassified - Not for Internet Distribution. 2. (SBU) Summary. Tajikistan has the essential attributes to compete for international tourism, but an unfriendly visa policy and lack of international air connections shut out foreign visitors and their ready cash, according to [...] | 2008-06-11 07:26:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL ECON KPAO CVIS CASC TI |
08DUSHANBE829 | TAJIKISTAN'S HASAN ASADULLOZODA - MAN, MYTH, LEGEND [...] (SBU) Summary: Hasan Asadullozoda (formerly known as Sadulloev),the 40 year old brother-in-law of President Rahmon, is Tajikistan's top business figure, and is often called the "third most powerful" man in the country (after Rahmon and Dushanbe mayor Ubaidulloyev). He controls or has substanti [...] | 2008-06-23 04:48:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV ETRD EINV ECON TI |
08DUSHANBE891 | TAJIKISTAN - IF YOU HAVE TO ASK HOW MUCH IT COSTS, YOU MUST [...] (U) This message is sensitive but unclassifed. Please protect accordingly. 2. (SBU) On June 24 Emboff and visiting USAID Economic Growth Officer met with the new Chairman of the Central Bank of Tajikistan, Sharif Rahimzoda. The Chairman gave a brief overview of economic conditions in Taji [...] | 2008-07-07 07:28:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON PREL TI |
08DUSHANBE895 | 2008 U.S.-CENTRAL ASIA TIFA COUNCIL MEETING [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The fourth meeting of the U.S.-Central Asia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council, held June 17-18 in Dushanbe was marked by strong participation by the private sector and by Afghan observers. However, representatives from the TIFA members themselves failed to [...] | 2008-07-08 08:57:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD USTR ECON PREL AF KG KZ TI TX UZ |
08DUSHANBE950 | TAJIKISTAN - IMPLEMENTATION OF ENERGY EMERGENCY PLAN IN [...] (U) This message is sensitive but unclassified. Please protect accordingly. 2. (SBU) Summary: Recent discussions with the World Bank Dushanbe office, and with various government ministries, have revealed that the Government of Tajikistan is not implementing plans to avoid another winter po [...] | 2008-07-22 09:18:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON EAID PGOV PREL TI |
08DUSSELDORF17 | THE LEFT PARTY IN NRW: AN EMERGING FACTOR IN STATE POLITICS [...] (SBU) Summary: Barely six months after forming its North-Rhine Westphalia chapter in October 2007, the Left Party is changing the political landscape in Germany's most populous state. The party is gaining in membership and in the opinion polls and already has its first state parliament (Landt [...] | 2008-04-16 09:50:00 | Consulate Dusseldorf | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON ELAB GM |
08DUSSELDORF18 | BELEAGUERED NRW SPD REELECTS CHAIRWOMAN; DELEGATES DOUBTFUL [...] (SBU) Summary: At a state party convention on April 5, the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Social Democrats (SPD) reelected chair Hannelore Kraft by a landslide, setting her up to lead the party in four important elections in the state over the next 18 months. As the party strives to return to p [...] | 2008-04-16 09:50:00 | Consulate Dusseldorf | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON ELAB GM |
08DUSSELDORF20 | CORRECTED VERSION: BELEAGUERED NRW SPD REELECTS CHAIRWOMAN; [...] (SBU) Summary: At a state party convention on April 5, the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Social Democrats (SPD) reelected chair Hannelore Kraft by a landslide, setting her up to lead the party in four important elections in the state over the next 18 months. As the party strives to return to p [...] | 2008-04-18 14:33:00 | Consulate Dusseldorf | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON GM |
08DUSSELDORF21 | REGIONAL CHAMBER OFFICIALS CONTINUE TO PUSH BACK ON IRAN [...] (SBU) As part of the Mission's ongoing dialogue with the German business community on Iran-related issues, EMIN, CG and Pol/Econoff met with a senior Duesseldorf Chamber of Commerce (IHK) official on April 17, who expressed "fear" that the German government and the Federal Agency of Economics [...] | 2008-04-23 14:11:00 | Consulate Dusseldorf | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON PTER PGOV KNNP ETTC MNUC PREL IR GM |
08DUSSELDORF22 | THE WORD FROM GERMANY'S INDUSTRIAL HEARTLAND: IMPACT OF U.S. [...] (SBU) Summary: Senior interlocutors in North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW) told EMIN April 16-17 that the international financial crisis and the weakening U.S. economy have had a limited impact on the real economy. There would, however be "indirect impacts" as growth in Asian and other developing e [...] | 2008-04-23 14:16:00 | Consulate Dusseldorf | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON PREL PGOV EU GM |
08DUSSELDORF23 | THE WORD FROM GERMANY'S INDUSTRIAL HEARTLAND: IMPACT OF U.S. [...] (SBU) Summary: Senior interlocutors in North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW) told EMIN April 16-17 that the international financial crisis and the weakening U.S. economy have had a limited impact on the real economy. There would, however be "indirect impacts" as growth in Asian and other developing e [...] | 2008-04-23 14:36:00 | Consulate Dusseldorf | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON PREL PGOV EU GM |
08DUSSELDORF24 | ANOTHER DUESSELDORF-BASED BANK RESCUED [...] (SBU) After German state institutions intervened in 2007 to save the well known WestLB and IKB banks, the "Duesseldorfer Hypothekenbank" (DHB),this week also required a rescue operation. In a "forced sale" on April 21, a fund controlled by the German Association of Private Sector Banks (BdB) [...] | 2008-04-24 14:51:00 | Consulate Dusseldorf | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON PGOV GM |
08DUSSELDORF25 | BONN-VIBRANT: A GROWING CITY AFTER CAPITAL MOVES TO BERLIN [...] (U) Summary: The gloom that descended upon Bonn in the wake of the German government's 1991 decision to move the capital back to Berlin has lifted as the city booms economically and retains its strong international orientation. Through the Bonn-Berlin Law and other initiatives introduced in t [...] | 2008-04-29 13:15:00 | Consulate Dusseldorf | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON GM |
08DUSSELDORF3 | GERMAN REGULATORS PAYING SPECIAL ATTENTION TO EUROPE-IRAN [...] (SBU) German federal banking regulators report they have placed the Hamburg-based Europe-Iran Commercial Bank (Europaeisch-Iranische Handelsbank) under "special supervision." As part of Mission Germany's ongoing dialogue with the Federal Finance Ministry in Berlin and Bonn-based German federa [...] | 2008-01-10 13:37:00 | Consulate Dusseldorf | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON PTER PGOV KNNP ETTC MNUC PREL GM IR |
08DUSSELDORF34 | FOOTNOTE TO AN OLD CONTROVERSY: "LOCUST" BECOMES MODEL [...] (SBU) Summary: Germany watchers will recall the politicization surrounding the takeover in 2004/2005 of the well known North Rhine Westphalia-based company Grohe by the U.S.-based Texas Pacific Group (TPG),which prompted former SPD party chair Franz Muentefering to coin the term "locusts" (H [...] | 2008-07-11 08:09:00 | Consulate Dusseldorf | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV ECON ELAB PGOV GM |
08DUSSELDORF35 | ANATOMY OF A CRISIS: EXPULSION PROCEEDINGS VS. CLEMENT [...] (SBU) Summary: The controversy in the SPD that has dominated Germany's domestic political news since the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) party decided on July 30 to expel ex-NRW Minister President and Federal Economics Minister Wolfgang Clement has abated somewhat after he issued something of an [...] | 2008-08-08 14:22:00 | Consulate Dusseldorf | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON ELAB GM |
08DUSSELDORF38 | RWE SEEKING POLITICAL SUPPORT FOR NABUCCO PROJECT [...] (SBU) In a September 26 meeting with CG, RWE Chief Commercial Officer Stefan Judisch and Nabucco expert Jeremy Ellis made a strong plea for USG support in encouraging the German government to give up its "fence-sitting attitude" and to take over the role of "moderator" in lining up political s [...] | 2008-09-30 08:08:00 | Consulate Dusseldorf | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ENRG EPET EU TU TX AJ GM |
08DUSSELDORF5 | VIEWS FROM AN EPICENTER OF THE SUBPRIME CRISIS IN GERMANY [...] (SBU) Summary: Senior bankers and regulators involved in the subprime crisis in North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW) told a Treasury delegation led by DAS Mark Sobel on January 9 that the crisis is not yet over in Germany. After the bailouts of Duesseldorf-based IKB and Leipzig-based SachsenLB, seni [...] | 2008-01-14 14:20:00 | Consulate Dusseldorf | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON PREL PGOV GM |
08DUSSELDORF7 | GERMAN BANKING REGULATORY FEUD RESOLVED [...] (U) On February 5, the two chief German banking regulatory bodies ended a long-standing feud over who will have ultimate oversight in the German banking sector. In a much anticipated decision, the Bundesbank in Frankfurt ceded most regulatory authority (banking supervision, sanctions, etc) to [...] | 2008-02-06 18:12:00 | Consulate Dusseldorf | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON PREL PGOV GM |
08EFTOBUENOSAIRES648 | ARGENTINA: SCENESETTER FOR FBI DEPUTY DIRECTOR [...] (U) This telegram is sensitive but unclassified, and not for Internet distribution. ------------ Introduction ------------ 2. (SBU) On behalf of Embassy Buenos Aires, I warmly welcome your May 21-22 visit to Argentina. We are looking to build on an already positive bilateral relationsh [...] | 2008-05-15 18:29:00 | Embassy Buenos Aires | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV PHUM PTER SNAR ECON EFIN BEXP AR |
08FRANKFURT1001 | German Economy Holds its Breath for Financial Crisis to [...] SUMMARY. The international financial crisis has so far had a limited impact in Germany and many analysts contend the EU and emerging markets will pick up most of the slack from lower exports to the U.S. The soaring euro and a continuing stream of write-downs by German banks have shaken confid [...] | 2008-04-04 09:07:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON EU GM |
08FRANKFURT1515 | Daimler and Porsche: Differing Challenges in Reducing CO2 [...] SUMMARY: The proposed European Union directive requiring car manufacturers to lower CO2 emissions significantly by 2012 presents major challenges to Daimler and Porsche, both German manufacturers of high-end, high-powered automobiles. Neither firm has expressed confidence that it will reach th [...] | 2008-05-19 05:37:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EIND ENRG PGOV SENV GM |
08FRANKFURT1581 | German Banks See Light at End of Subprime Tunnel, but Few [...] Summary: Following first quarter reports showing further write-downs, major German banks are beginning to see signs of recovery in the financial sector, as the real economy exceeds expectations in both growth and employment. Industry insiders see challenges ahead in finding new, profitable b [...] | 2008-05-21 13:03:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON EU GM |
08FRANKFURT1684 | ECB Monetary Operations Have Unintended Effects on [...] Summary. Despite some signs of a return to financial stability in the euro zone, the dysfunctional state of interbank lending remains a cause of concern at the European Central Bank (ECB). Private banks continue to rely on the ECB for liquidity, reflecting ongoing confidence issues in the ban [...] | 2008-05-29 09:28:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON EU GM |
08FRANKFURT2299 | Frankfurt Financial Experts Express Pessimism on [...] Summary: With commodity prices soaring, the euro at an all time high, and financial turmoil in the U.S. in the headlines, worries of a recession and further shocks to the financial system remain high in Germany and Europe. Frankfurt-based financial and macroeconomic experts agree that growth [...] | 2008-07-24 08:10:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON EU GM |
08FRANKFURT2654 | Porsche Steps up VW Takeover Effort [...] SUMMARY: Porsche, Germany's smallest automobile maker, has received permission from the EU to pursue a takeover of Volkswagen and has stepped up its efforts to acquire a majority stake in the company. Major hurdles remain, such as how to divide power in the supervisory board of a merged entit [...] | 2008-08-25 09:43:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EIND ENRG PGOV SENV GM |
08FRANKFURT2735 | Commerzbank Buys Dresdner, Fuelling Consolidation Debate [...] Summary: Commerzbank's acquisition of Dresdner Bank this week is the third and largest bank takeover in Germany this year, as global financial turmoil brings long-awaited consolidation to Germany's notoriously over-banked financial sector. With the deal, Commerzbank picks up a bank which has [...] | 2008-09-03 12:17:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON GM |
08FRANKFURT276 | TREASURY DELEGATION MEETS WITH THE ECB AND GERMAN BANKS [...] A Treasury Department delegation recently visited Frankfurt to discuss global financial turmoil with the ECB, the Bundesbank and representatives of Germany's private banks. The ECB bemoaned a lack of information on the full extent of the turmoil, but none of the interlocutors foresaw an impen [...] | 2008-01-29 08:21:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON EU GM |
08FRANKFURT2857 | German Bank Consolidation Reveals Conservative Business [...] SUMMARY. In a recent wave of acquisitions in the German banking sector, private German banks have taken over partners with large retail businesses to shore up capital and acquire steady, reliable sources of income. These moves reflect a changing business model designed to help banks adjust t [...] | 2008-09-19 05:58:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON EU GM |
08FRANKFURT3102 | MERKEL AND STEINBRUECK UNVEIL FINANCIAL RESCUE PACKAGE [...] SUMMARY: Chancellor Merkel and Finance Minister Steinbrueck announced the details of Germany's financial rescue package October 13, following the French-led effort to coordinate efforts among the 15 euro zone members at this weekend's Paris summit. The so-called Financial Market Stabilizatio [...] | 2008-10-14 12:57:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON EU GM |
08FRANKFURT3103 | MERKEL AND STEINBRUECK UNVEIL FINANCIAL RESCUE PACKAGE [...] SUMMARY: Chancellor Merkel and Finance Minister Steinbrueck announced the details of Germany's financial rescue packge October 13, following the French-led effort t coordinate efforts among the 15 euro zone member at this weekend's Paris summit. The so-called Financial Market Stabilization F [...] | 2008-10-14 12:59:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON EU GM |
08FRANKFURT3256 | Large German Banks Expect Government to "Invite" them into [...] Summary: In what would be an about-face in government policy, senior managers at large German banks expect the Finance Ministry to "invite", or require, institutions to accept capital injections rather than accept funds on a voluntary basis. Such a change would overcome a perceived weakness o [...] | 2008-10-30 10:02:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN GM |
08FRANKFURT3260 | Large German Banks Expect Government to "Invite" them into [...] Summary: In what would be an about-face in government policy, senior managers at large German banks expect the Finance Ministry to "invite", or require, institutions to accept capital injections rather than accept funds on a voluntary basis. Such a change would overcome a perceived weakness o [...] | 2008-10-30 10:55:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN GM |
08FRANKFURT3330 | Commerzbank Deal Reveals Flexibility in Stabilization Fund [...] Summary: (SBU) Commerzbank, Germany's second largest bank, became the largest bank to date to take part in the government's Financial Market Stabilization Fund (FMSF). The bank secured key concessions, thus avoiding some of the more invasive aspects of the fund. The European Commission annou [...] | 2008-11-06 12:07:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN GM |
08FRANKFURT3553 | German Banks Take State-Level Bailouts over Federal Funds [...] SUMMARY: Both Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg (LBBW) and BayernLB (BLB) have come to terms with their state governments and other owners on capital injections of billions of euros. Putting state-level taxpayers on the line enabled them to maintain local control by avoiding federal rescue funds [...] | 2008-12-03 11:03:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON GM |
08FRANKFURT3607 | German Regulators Want Euro-Zone Clearing Platform for [...] No summary [...] | 2008-12-08 10:01:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON GM |
08FRANKFURT3633 | German State-Level Stimulus Aims to Offset Industrial [...] SUMMARY: As evidence mounts that Germany has slid into recession, the Baden-Wuerttemberg state government announced this week it will provide its own fiscal stimulus package to combat the coming crisis. Automotive and industrial manufacturers in B-W will undoubtedly welcome the news, having a [...] | 2008-12-09 14:20:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN EIND GM |
08FRANKFURT463 | Frankfurt Airport Expansion and Night Flights Update [...] SUMMARY: Numerous municipalities and several air carriers filed legal challenges to the Frankfurt airport expansion plan before the February 8 deadline, creating a legal tangle for a Hesse state court to sort out. The main sticking point in the plan to build an additional runway and terminal r [...] | 2008-02-15 11:38:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR ECON EIND ENRG PGOV SENV EU GM |
08FRANKFURT568 | German Private Bank Successes Highlight State Bank [...] Summary. With 2007 annual reports coming in from the German banking sector, Germany's two largest private banks registered record earnings despite losses in the second half of the year from subprime-related investments. The success of the large private banks stands in contrast to several sma [...] | 2008-02-27 10:04:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON GM |
08FRANKFURT636 | Views from Frankfurt on German Banking Regulation and [...] SUMMARY. Following months of global financial turmoil, German banking regulators have taken steps to harmonize and standardize their practices. At the same time, Germany's Finance Minister has become more vocal in criticizing the current regulatory system, calling for higher capital requirem [...] | 2008-03-04 14:55:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON EU GM |
08FRANKFURT666 | Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg: A Lone Buyer in a Buyer's [...] SUMMARY: Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg (LBBW),Germany's largest state bank, has emerged from the recent crisis in the state bank sector as a potential buyer for several troubled counterparts. After concluding plans to take over SachsenLB, LBBW is now awaiting EU approval of the deal, while ru [...] | 2008-03-06 13:16:00 | Consulate Frankfurt | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON GM |
08FREETOWN105 | SIERRA LEONE: FISCAL TRANSPARENCY UPDATE [...] (SBU) Pursuant to reftel, please find the following responses: 2. The budget is published, but is not available on the internet. A copy of the budget can be purchased for 2000 Leones (less than $1). Given the standard of living in the country for the vast majority of the population, even thi [...] | 2008-03-10 16:53:00 | Embassy Freetown | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL EAID ECON SL |
08FREETOWN121 | FREETOWN DELIVERED MONTERREY CONSENSUS: BACKGROUND [...] On February 28, Ambassador Perry spoke with Sierra Leone Foreign Minister Zainab Bangura to convey information on the Monterrey consensus and the review process. She provided the Minister with a full text of the 2002 Monterrey consensus document and a copy of UNGA Resolution. Minister Bangura [...] | 2008-03-14 13:51:00 | Embassy Freetown | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON ETRD PREL SL |
08FREETOWN184 | PRESIDENT KOROMA INTERCEDES WITH CONCESSIONS TO [...] (C) SUMMARY: As reported in reftel A and B, Seaboard West Africa Ltd., an American-owned company operating the only flour mill in Sierra Leone, found itself in dire financial straits due to the volatility of the world commodities markets and price ceilings on flour. These negatively impacted t [...] | 2008-04-16 16:38:00 | Embassy Freetown | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ETRD EAGR SL |
08FREETOWN196 | SIERRA LEONE'S LIMITED REACTION TO PRICE INCREASES [...] (C) SUMMARY: Despite soaring prices of commodities, Sierra Leone is stable relative to its sub-regional neighbors. Though frequently reported in the media and discussed on the streets, inflated prices of necessities like flour and rice thus far have been met with public willingness to make ends [...] | 2008-04-23 17:17:00 | Embassy Freetown | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PGOV PREL SL |
08FREETOWN204 | RESPONSE: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/COMMODITY PRICES - SIERRA [...] Please see the following responses keyed to reftel A. Note that responses reflect currently available information on this situation, and that not all of the suggested questions posed in reftel A were answerable at this time or applicable to the Sierra Leone context. ------ DEMAND ------ [...] | 2008-04-30 15:06:00 | Embassy Freetown | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV EAGR EAID ETRD ECON SL |
08FREETOWN387 | SIERRA LEONE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT AGOA FORUM [...] Summary: Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) officials on July 31 expressed gratitude to the Ambassador for facilitating their participation in the recent AGOA Forum, and shared preliminary plans to capitalize on AGOA opportunities. Both the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperat [...] | 2008-08-05 08:38:00 | Embassy Freetown | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD SL |
08FREETOWN401 | SIZE DOESN'T MATTER: SIERRA LEONE INDUSTRIES FACE [...] SUMMARY: On August 8, CDA, Poloff, and Economic Assistant visited a textiles factory and a brewery. Though the companies differ considerably in terms of size, capital investment, and ownership, managers pointed to the same challenges impeding growth and profitability. A subsequent meeting with [...] | 2008-08-13 12:52:00 | Embassy Freetown | UNCLASSIFIED | EIND ECON EFIN SL |
08FREETOWN44 | SIERRA LEONE STRUGGLES WITH RISING PRICES [...] SUMMARY: Although news reports generally exaggerate the situation, tensions between bakers, millers, and flour and rice importers are coming to a head due to steadily rising prices. In the eye of the storm is Seaboard West Africa Ltd., a U.S.-owned company that imports wheat, bakes bread, an [...] | 2008-02-05 10:00:00 | Embassy Freetown | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ETRD ECON SL |
08FREETOWN478 | IMF VIEWS ON SIERRA LEONE'S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE [...] (U) Summary: Ambassador Perry met with two International Monetary Fund (IMF) representatives on September 18 to review Sierra Leone's recent economic and governance performance. The officials are currently undertaking an Article IV review that will be the basis for IMF policy recommendations. [...] | 2008-09-24 11:50:00 | Embassy Freetown | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PREL SL |
08FREETOWN49 | AMBASSADOR MEETINGS REVEAL INTERNATIONAL [...] (C) SUMMARY: A number of themes are emerging from the Ambassador's recent meetings with members of the International Community concerning economic and political conditions in Sierra Leone. Specific common concerns were raised by the Guinean and Nigerian envoys as well as by the World Bank Repr [...] | 2008-02-07 15:35:00 | Embassy Freetown | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PGOV PINR PREL SL |
08FREETOWN493 | THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE PENDING: KOROMA COMMENTS ON [...] (C) Summary: President Koroma marked the end of his first year in office by inviting government and international officials and members of the media to a speech on the anniversary of his inauguration. His September 18 was broadcast live across the country. The President took credit for, amon [...] | 2008-10-07 10:07:00 | Embassy Freetown | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV ECON SL |
08FREETOWN549 | DEMARCHE DELIVERED: GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR [...] (U) Ambassador delivered reftel points on November 24 to Minister of Foreign Affairs Zainab Bangura. Bangura expressed great interest in Sierra Leone's participation in the partnership, and would like further information on how her government can be involved, and at what level. She stated that [...] | 2008-11-24 15:28:00 | Embassy Freetown | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD EAGR PGOV SL |
08FREETOWN6 | SIERRA LEONE MINISTER OF FINANCE PRESENTS [...] (U) Minister of Finance and Economic Development David Carew presented the new Sierra Leone administration's medium-term budget to parliament -- covering 2008-2010 -- on December 21, 2007, along with a comprehensive overview of Sierra Leone's economic and financial status and his government's [...] | 2008-01-07 17:56:00 | Embassy Freetown | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PGOV SL |
08FREETOWN77 | SIERRA LEONE: FY 07 AMBASSADOR'S SPECIAL SELF-HELP [...] No summary [...] | 2008-02-26 16:18:00 | Embassy Freetown | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON SL |
08FUKUOKA42 | BOJ FUKUOKA BRANCH MANAGER SAYS KYUSHU ALSO HURT BY RISING [...] (U) Bank of Japan Fukuoka Branch Manager Keiji Kono told EMIN August 12 that because of its long standing ties to Korea and China, Kyushu increasingly looks to elsewhere in Asia rather than to Tokyo for business opportunities. However, rising energy costs are hurting Kyushu's economy, particu [...] | 2008-08-18 04:53:00 | Consulate Fukuoka | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV ENRG PREL JA |
08GABORONE1078 | Ambassador's Courtesy Call on Trade Minister [...] Ambassador Nolan paid a courtesy call on Botswana's Minister of Trade and Industry Neo Moroka November 28 at the Minister's Office. Moroka thanked the U.S. for providing development assistance to Botswana since independence, and noted that both he and many of his staff had benefitted from scho [...] | 2008-12-09 11:59:00 | Embassy Gaborone | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON EAID SCUL BC |
08GABORONE514 | DIAMONDS ARE BOTSWANA'S BEST FRIEND [...] Summary. With the opening of the Diamond Trading Center (DTC),Botswana has successfully moved up the value chain in the diamond industry. No longer just a raw producer of diamonds, Botswana is now host to all steps in the diamond industry - from mining and producing to sorting, cutting, and [...] | 2008-06-26 05:37:00 | Embassy Gaborone | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EMIN BC |
08GABORONE677 | REHO DISCUSSES ENERGY WITH CEEEZ DIRECTOR [...] Summary: Regional Environment and Health Officer for Southern Africa (REHO) and Embassy Lusaka Econ/Commercial Assistant met June 4 with Professor Yamba, Chairman of the Centre for Energy, Environment and Engineering Zambia (CEEEZ),to discuss energy issues in Zambia. He described CEEEZ's miss [...] | 2008-08-08 13:21:00 | Embassy Gaborone | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV ECON EAID ZA BC |
08GABORONE719 | USAID CLOSES OUT CBNRM PROGRAM IN NAMIBIA [...] Summary: On June 12 in Windhoek, Regional Environment and Health Officer for Southern Africa (REHO) attended USAID's close-out ceremony of its 15-year support of Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) in Namibia. Among the attendees were Ambassador Mathieu, USAID Director Gary Ne [...] | 2008-08-20 10:04:00 | Embassy Gaborone | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV ECON EAID WA BC |
08GABORONE720 | KAZA UPDATE [...] Summary. The U.S. State Department and USAID provide technical and financial support to the development of a consultation framework of the 5-nation Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) Initiative. The conceptualization and planning for this began in 2006 with Botswana, [...] | 2008-08-20 10:18:00 | Embassy Gaborone | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV ECON EAID WA ZA BC |
08GABORONE884 | HEALTH CARE IN BOTSWANA IN THE ERA OF HIV/AIDS [...] Summary: Botswana just celebrated its National Day on September 30 and the country has made significant progress in the fight against hunger, poverty, injustice, illiteracy and unemployment over the last forty two years. The rate of progress is, however, threatened by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, an [...] | 2008-10-07 08:01:00 | Embassy Gaborone | UNCLASSIFIED | KHIV TBIO ECON EAID SOCI BC |
08GABORONE932 | AU-IBAR HOSTS REGIONAL AVIAN INFLUENZA WORKSHOP [...] Summary: The African Union's Inter-Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) hosted October 2-4 in Gaborone an Avian Influenza (AI) technical workshop for Southern Africa officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, the World Health Organization (WHO),the World Animal Health Organizati [...] | 2008-10-23 14:53:00 | Embassy Gaborone | UNCLASSIFIED | KHIV TBIO ECON EAID SOCI BC |
08GABORONE958 | BOTSWANA: AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH FINANCE [...] (U) SUMMARY. Ambassador Nolan paid a courtesy call on Botswana's Minister of Finance and Development Planning Baledzi Gaolathe on October 28. The Finance Minister thanked the Ambassador for U.S. development assistance programs and noted that although Botswana has reached middle income status [...] | 2008-11-03 10:29:00 | Embassy Gaborone | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EAID ENRG PREL KHIV BC |
08GENEVA1032 | UNCTAD: Corporate Social Responsibility Workshop on [...] SUMMARY: The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) held a Workshop on the Policy Context for Responsible Investment on November 7, 2008, where the investment community and policy-makers, representing about 50 countries, discussed ways to collaborate on socially responsible investment. [...] | 2008-11-24 12:39:00 | US Mission Geneva | UNCLASSIFIED | UNCTAD ECON ETRD |
08GENEVA1043 | Organic Agriculture: International Task Force Facilitating [...] SUMMARY: The International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture (ITF),which was a successful public-private partnership, held its final meeting on October 7, 2008, having completed its five-year project to develop a method for comparing different organic standard [...] | 2008-11-26 16:38:00 | US Mission Geneva | UNCLASSIFIED | UNCTAD ECON ETRD USDA USAID |
08GENEVA1055 | MEETING WITH MONTENEGRO DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER DJUROVIC TO [...] Summary: USTR Senior Director for WTO Accessions, Cecilia Klein, and USTR/Geneva representatives Bob Kasper and Nancy Omelko met Montenegro Deputy Prime Minister Gordana Djurovic and Montenegrin delegation on 24 November 2008. The bilateral talks focused on resolving remaining issues in the [...] | 2008-12-05 09:04:00 | US Mission Geneva | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON EINV WTRO USTR MW |
08GENEVA1078 | December 2008 meeting of the Working Party for the WTO [...] (U) Summary. The sixth Working Party Meeting on Azerbaijan's Accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO),held on December 11 in Geneva, was widely attended by other WTO Members and highlighted the renewed energy shown by Azerbaijan in a number of areas. Prior to the meeting, Azerbaijan [...] | 2008-12-15 16:21:00 | US Mission Geneva | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON WTRO USTR AZE |
08GENEVA805 | WIPO ELECTS NEW DG [...] No summary [...] | 2008-09-23 15:51:00 | US Mission Geneva | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON KIPR |
08GENEVA913 | ITALIAN UNECE CANDIDATE BELIEVES SYG BAN MAY ACT QUICKLY ON [...] (U) Paolo Garonna, Deputy Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE),met with Charge October 31 to seek USG support for his bid to be appointed by UN SYG Ban Ki-Moon as the UNECE Executive Secretary. Marek Belka is departing as ExecSec to work as an IMF Director in D [...] | 2008-10-31 16:54:00 | US Mission Geneva | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECIN |
08GENEVA916 | WHO: IMPACT OF THE FINANCIAL CRISIS ON ACHIEVEMENT [...] Summary. WHO convened a meeting of G-20 countries on October 31 to discuss the impact of the financial crisis on health and the social sector. Director-General Chan asked for advice, called for stable Official Development Assistance (ODA),committed to working with vulnerable countries, prom [...] | 2008-11-03 16:43:00 | US Mission Geneva | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON TBIO WHO |
08GENEVA973 | WIPO DG GURRY OUTLINES REFORM PLANS [...] SUMMARY: The new WIPO DG is addressing the challenges facing WIPO and trying to improve the functioning of the organization, in particular by trying to break the deadlock on substantive issues before WIPO Committees and using the budget process to realign WIPO's organizational structure. END [...] | 2008-11-18 13:07:00 | US Mission Geneva | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON KIPR |
08GENEVA977 | The Seventeenth Session of the WIPO Standing Committee on [...] SUMMARY: The 17th meeting of the SCCR focused on establishing a future work plan for the committee. The SCCR agreed to continue discussion on limitations and exceptions to copyright, including the question of format accessibility to copyright protected content by visually impaired persons. T [...] | 2008-11-18 14:59:00 | US Mission Geneva | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON KIPR |
08GENEVA984 | UNCTAD - Trade and Development Board, 55th Session, [...] SUMMARY: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) held the 55th Session of its Trade and Development Board (TDB),UNCTAD's governing body, in Geneva from September 15-26, 2008. IO DAS Gerry Anderson represented the US during the high-level segment of the TDB, September [...] | 2008-11-19 10:03:00 | US Mission Geneva | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD UNCTAD |
08GEORGETOWN390 | GUYANA DEMARCHE DELIVERED: MAJOR ISSUES AT [...] (U) Per reftel, Post delivered diplomatic note and demarche to Audrey Waddell, Director of America and Asias at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Waddell agreed to foward the dip note and demarche to the appropriate office. 2. (U) Post will report any substantive response from the Government [...] | 2008-07-09 21:35:00 | Embassy Georgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC ECON ETRD WTRO |
08GEORGETOWN459 | GUYANA AND FORESTRY SECTOR AT LOGGERHEADS; BOURGEONING [...] (U) Summary: Guyana's forest-products sector, which with USAID support grew 56 percent from 2004 to 2006, will likely decline for the second consecutive year. In general, the private sector has worked to develop the forestry industry in a sustainable way, and large international wood companie [...] | 2008-08-06 21:12:00 | Embassy Georgetown | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BTIO EAGR EAID ECON EIND EINV SENV ETRD |
08GEORGETOWN484 | GUYANA'S RESPONSE TO 2009 SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS [...] No summary [...] | 2008-08-18 21:47:00 | Embassy Georgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT AORC APER BEXP ECON EFIN ENRG ETRD KSUM |
08GEORGETOWN550 | JAGDEO HUFFS AND PUFFS, BUT WILL SIGN EU TRADE DEAL [...] (U) Summary: After weeks of sharply criticizing its provisions, President Jagdeo has begrudgingly agreed to sign onto the proposed CARICOM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA),citing the certain imposition of higher tariffs on Guyana's exports if he did not acquiesce. Despite his pledge to [...] | 2008-09-18 20:09:00 | Embassy Georgetown | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BTIO EAGR EAID ECON EIND EINV SENV ETRD GY PREL |
08GEORGETOWN551 | OFFSHORE OIL EXPLORATION IN FULL SWING ONE YEAR AFTER [...] (U) Summary: Offshore oil exploration is in full swing one year after the September 2007 resolution of the Guyana-Suriname maritime border dispute. Concession-holders Exxon and Canada-based CGX are commencing seismic surveys, and may begin exploratory drilling as early as late 2009. The GoG w [...] | 2008-09-18 20:11:00 | Embassy Georgetown | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV ENRG EPET |
08GRENADA111 | GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2008 [...] (U) Embassy Grenada's weekly report (GWAR) provides a little detail about events of interest that do not merit longer reporting at this time. 2. (U) Begin GWAR text: a. ECSRC Issues Cease & Desist Order to SGL The Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC) last week issue [...] | 2008-08-08 18:10:00 | Embassy Grenada | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ASEC ECON XL |
08GRENADA129 | GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2008 [...] (U) Embassy Grenada's weekly report (GWAR) provides a little detail about events of interest that do not merit longer reporting at this time. 2. (U) Begin GWAR text: A. VAT to be put on hold Grenada's Minister for Finance Nazim Burke announced that the government will not implement Valu [...] | 2008-09-18 20:35:00 | Embassy Grenada | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON SOCI XL GJ |
08GRENADA131 | GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT SEPTEMBER 14 - 20,2008 [...] (U) Embassy Grenada's weekly report (GWAR) provides a little detail about events of interest that do not merit longer reporting at this time. 2. (U) Begin GWAR text: A. Private Sector Warns of Possible Labor Unrest The Senator representing the private sector in the upper house of Parlia [...] | 2008-09-24 18:17:00 | Embassy Grenada | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB ECON EFIN GJ XL |
08GRENADA144 | GRENADA EXPECTING LOWER GROWTH [...] (SBU) Summary: Grenada's Ministry of Finance painted a somber picture of the country's economic situation in recent discussions. Grenada is still suffering the aftereffects of Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Emily (2005) with high debt and an underprepared tourist industry. The international econ [...] | 2008-11-14 13:06:00 | Embassy Grenada | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON PGOV EAGR SOCI GJ |
08GRENADA52 | GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT: MARCH 23 - 29, 2008 [...] (U) Embassy Grenada's weekly activity report (GWAR) provides a little detail about events of interest that do not merit longer reporting at this time. 2. (U) Begin GWAR text: a. Southcom Completes Intel Training Southcom trainers conducted a highly successful Intelligence Analyst trainin [...] | 2008-04-02 20:53:00 | Embassy Grenada | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL MOPS ECON SOCI GJ |
08GRENADA57 | GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT: APRIL 6 - 12, 2008 [...] (U) Embassy Grenada's weekly activity report (GWAR) provides a little detail about events of interest that do not merit longer reporting at this time. 2. (U) Begin GWAR text: a. Grenada Makes Significant Economic Progress Grenada made significant economic progress in 2007, according to [...] | 2008-04-15 22:45:00 | Embassy Grenada | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL EFIN ECON SNAR SOCI GJ |
08GRENADA60 | GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT: APRIL 13- 19, 2008 [...] (U) Embassy Grenada's weekly activity report (GWAR) provides a little detail about events of interest that do not merit longer reporting at this time. 2. (U) Begin GWAR text: a)CHORES back to serve Grenada Ambassador Mary Ourisman visited Grenada briefly on April 14 to meet with the Chil [...] | 2008-04-23 19:33:00 | Embassy Grenada | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL SOCI PGOV ECON GJ |
08GRENADA72 | GLOBAL MARITIME PARTNERSHIPS (GMP) DEMARCHE DELIVERED [...] Embassy Grenada delivered demarche contained reftel to Grenada's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 13, 2008. There was no immediate reaction. 2. Post will report any response as soon as it is received. MCISAAC [...] | 2008-05-14 04:38:00 | Embassy Grenada | UNCLASSIFIED | EWWT EAID ECIN ECON EFIS MARR MASS MOPS PHSA |
08GRENADA93 | GRENADA WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT JUNE 23 - JULY 1, 2008 [...] (U) Embassy Grenada's weekly report (GWAR) provides a little detail about events of interest that do not merit longer reporting at this time. 2. (U) Begin GWAR text: a. Intellectual Property Laws Proposed for Parliamentary Review According to the Registrar of the Grenada Supreme Court, Ro [...] | 2008-07-03 19:17:00 | Embassy Grenada | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ELAB PGOV |
08GUADALAJARA150 | PROMISE AND PROBLEMS IN RURAL GUANAJUATO [...] Summary. A visit to rural Guanajuato to see the Bajio Community Foundation's projects provided a good view of what works and what doesn't to spur local economic development. Most of these communities survive and grow on remittances, but some organizations and individuals are trying to create [...] | 2008-04-08 19:29:00 | Consulate Guadalajara | UNCLASSIFIED | SMIG SOCI ECON KPAO MX |
08GUADALAJARA95 | HARVEST OF CHANGE: CORN, NAFTA, AND THE CAMPO IN WESTERN [...] Summary: The January 2008 full implementation of NAFTA's provisions on agricultural trade has proceeded smoothly in western Mexico's farm belt. Some observers had expected a strong negative reaction given the large percentage of the population still engaged in minimally productive subsistence f [...] | 2008-02-27 23:05:00 | Consulate Guadalajara | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ETRD ECON MX |
08GUANGZHOU1 | Shenzhen Development Bank Forging New Territory with [...] (SBU) Summary: Shenzhen Development Bank (SDB),the first company to list publicly in China, is working closely with Chinese regulators to clarify untested regulations governing China's financial system especially as they relate to proprietary information, according to the bank's American chair [...] | 2008-01-02 08:02:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU105 | Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Major Economic, Social, and [...] (U) Summary: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a strong economic, social, and cultural foothold in south China, with Guangdong leading the way in total TCM revenue and product output. "Guangdong Liang Cha", for example, an herbal tea, is becoming a national phenomenon and chasing Coca Cola [...] | 2008-02-20 05:22:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED | TBIO ECON SOCI CH |
08GUANGZHOU121 | Coping with Rising Costs in South China -- Foreign [...] (SBU) Summary: Companies in south China told visiting congressional staffer David Lloyd that they are taking different approaches to deal with rising production costs in the Pearl River Delta. Wal-Mart executives said that they are working to develop long-term relationships with suppliers that [...] | 2008-02-27 01:01:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB EINV ECON OVIP CH |
08GUANGZHOU132 | Guangzhou IPR Update for Special 301 Review [...] (SBU) Summary: Despite a few successes in intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement efforts over the last year, the overall climate for U.S. owners of intellectual property (IP) has not significantly improved. Moreover, law enforcement cooperation has noticeably deteriorated since the las [...] | 2008-03-02 23:40:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD KIPR ECON WTRO PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU139 | Background of Recent Fujian Chemical Plant Protests [...] (U) Summary: Fears that a proposed chemical plant could endanger their livelihood spurred approximately 10,000 residents of Dongshan Island, Fujian Province, to protest the project, according to media reports. The protests, which began February 29 and culminated in the vandalism of local gover [...] | 2008-03-05 08:42:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV PHUM ECON PGOV EINV TW CH |
08GUANGZHOU146 | Product Safety Testing, Booming Business in South China [...] (SBU) Summary: Business is booming for product testing firms in south China. With heightened awareness of product safety risks among manufacturers and stricter enforcement by Chinese authorities, testing firms anticipate continued rapid growth and in some instances are literally working around [...] | 2008-03-10 08:08:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EIND TBIO ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU148 | Shenzhen Heparin Maker Emphasizes Differences with [...] (U) Summary: Shenzhen Hepalink Pharmaceutical Co. - recently the focus of a Wall Street Journal article - clearly takes product safety very seriously and is anxious to reassure visitors about its quality assurance and supply control procedures. The only heparin producer in China to receive U.S [...] | 2008-03-11 08:56:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EIND TBIO SOCI ECON PGOV PREL CH |
08GUANGZHOU159 | Sharing Information to Resolve IPR Issues [...] No summary [...] | 2008-03-17 08:46:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KPAO SCUL KIPR PGOV PINR WTRO ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU168 | SPEAKING OUT AT THE CPPCC: NINE DRAGONS CEO ZHANG YAN URGES [...] (SBU) Summary: In a May 19 conversation with the Consul General, Nine Dragons dynamic CEO Zhang Yan said that she had been moved to offer suggestions to the government on the Labor Contract Law, taxes on the well-to-do and import incentives for energy efficient/environmentally friendly machiner [...] | 2008-03-20 06:31:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB EINV ECON SENV PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU171 | HUAWEI SAYS 3COM PLANS STILL UNCERTAIN [...] (SBU) Summary: Huawei Technologies' plans on whether to resubmit a bid for Massachusetts-based 3Com Corporation remain unclear, according to senior executives. Expressing frustration with the approval process, one senior executive wondered if Huawei had been singled out by the U.S. government. [...] | 2008-03-21 08:32:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETTC EINV ECPS ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU173 | GUANGZHOU GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION - HARD TO SEE, EVEN HARDER [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: A team of China researchers estimates that corruption has cost the Chinese economy about RMB 3 billion (USD 420 million) each year between 1980 to 2002, and private sector contacts say the problem is "absolutely endemic" in Guangzhou. There have been some high-profile convictions [...] | 2008-03-26 07:45:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV SOCI ECON EFIN EIND EINT CH |
08GUANGZHOU175 | Guangdong's Power Crunch - a Widening Gap between Supply [...] (U) Summary. South China is experiencing its worst power shortages in thirty years. An annual problem, the situation in the region intensified due to January's winter storms as Guangdong imports almost all of its power from other provinces whose power generation capabilities were affected. The [...] | 2008-03-27 02:30:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG ECON EMIN SENV PGOV TRGY CH |
08GUANGZHOU195 | LIMITS ON RESEARCH CAPACITY FOR SOUTH CHINA'S AQUATIC [...] (SBU) Summary: For south China, evaluating the severity of pollution in its various aquatic ecosystems is a daunting task made more difficult by internal factors such as excessive bureaucracy and territorial attitudes among researchers. Agencies, institutions, and even individual researchers [...] | 2008-03-31 09:18:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SENV ECON TBIO CH |
08GUANGZHOU201 | U.S. Businesses Still Bullish on South China [...] (SBU) Summary: U.S. companies are optimistic about the economic outlook for south China, according to the American Chamber of Commerce in South China's (Amcham) annual survey of firms. However, some results suggested their outlook was slightly less rosy than a year ago, with fewer firms statin [...] | 2008-04-02 08:39:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EINV ELAB CH |
08GUANGZHOU212 | Hundreds of Highly-Polluting Factories Relocated to [...] (U) Summary: Guangzhou's municipal government will force more than 400 hundred highly-polluting enterprises to move to designated zones on the city's outskirts to improve environmental conditions downtown. Many of the factories are scheduled to relocate to Nansha, despite the area's delicate [...] | 2008-04-11 08:01:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM SENV ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU214 | SHENZHEN STOCK EXCHANGE STARTUP BOARD TO OPEN IN AUGUST [...] (SBU) Summary: The Shenzhen Stock Exchange's much delayed new board for start-up companies should open sometime around the Beijing Olympics in August. The board, which will benefit some smaller firms that find it difficult to raise capital due in part to Beijing's limits on bank lending, has s [...] | 2008-04-11 09:07:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU225 | Despite One-Stop Lab, Producers Still Complain about [...] (SBU) Summary: Even with the opening of south China's first joint-venture testing lab that will provide one-stop shopping for third party and government testing, toy manufacturers in the Pearl River Delta complain about the burden of meeting multiple standards. They believe that that a new con [...] | 2008-04-21 07:30:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EIND TBIO ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU228 | Leaving the PRD - Regulations and Market Conditions Forcing [...] (SBU) Summary: The numbers differ dramatically, with some investors hyping a massive exodus of factories from the Pearl River Delta (PRD) while local government officials spout figures that obscure the scale of the trend. But one thing is clear: many firms are choosing to move production to n [...] | 2008-04-21 09:01:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV ELAB ETRD EFIN CH |
08GUANGZHOU244 | Guangdong Officials Express Willingness to Cooperate to [...] (SBU) Summary: In cordial meetings with Jared Ragland, Director of the U.S. Trade Representative's Office of Intellectual Property and Innovation, Guangdong provincial and municipal officials described recent successes in enforcing intellectual property rights (IPR),as well steps they plan to [...] | 2008-04-25 08:54:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD KIPR ECON WTRO PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU246 | China's Largest Petrochemical Plant Planned for Guangdong, [...] (U) Summary. Sinopec and Kuwait National Petroleum Company are awaiting Beijing's approval on plans to build what will reportedly be China's largest joint venture, a USD 5 billion petrochemical plant located in the heart of the Pearl River Delta. The plant will alleviate the severe gap betwee [...] | 2008-04-29 06:16:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG ECON EMIN SENV PGOV TRGY CH |
08GUANGZHOU248 | Inland Aquaculture Challenges in the Pearl River [...] (U) Summary: Inland aquaculture in south China faces two major environmental challenges: eutrophication (excess nutrient loading) and contamination. Guangdong officials have identified 18 lakes and reservoirs in the province as being more contaminated than Wuxi Lake, a focal point of internati [...] | 2008-04-30 09:08:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIS SENV ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU249 | 103RD CANTON TRADE FAIR OVERALL NO SLACKENING, U.S. [...] (SBU) Summary: Officially the 103rd Canton Fair was a success with slight increases in attendance and orders, but local travel industry contacts complained of lower participation from U.S., EU, Japanese and Korean buyers. Security was notably tighter with numerous seminars cancelled. End summa [...] | 2008-05-05 09:06:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EINV ECON PGOV CH HK TW |
08GUANGZHOU256 | Guangdong Property Tycoon Sees Opportunities in Taiwan [...] (SBU) Summary: After participating in a delegation of mainland property tycoons who visited Taiwan in late April, Li Sze Lim (Li Silian),a well-placed and successful real estate entrepreneur, is considering investing in the island's hotel sector. Li said his interest was contingent on further [...] | 2008-05-08 09:14:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV ECON PREL TW CH |
08GUANGZHOU267 | Guangdong Highlights IPR Efforts in 2007 [...] (SBU) Summary: Reviewing Guangdong Province's progress on intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement at an April 24 press conference, Intellectual Property Office Director General Tao Kaiyuan announced a new strategic plan aimed at improving IPR conditions. One omission: no plan details. [...] | 2008-05-09 09:22:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD KIPR ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU269 | Lai Appointment Agitates Taiwan Investors in South China [...] (SBU) Summary: Ma Ying-jeou's appointment of the Taiwan Solidarity Union's (TSU) Lai Shin-yuan as chair of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has been as lively a topic of interest, positive and negative, among Taiwan businessmen in the Pearl River Delta as in Taiwan. Close friends are divided [...] | 2008-05-12 08:58:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EINV ECON TW CH |
08GUANGZHOU28 | Environment a Top Priority at Guangdong-Hong Kong Leaders [...] (SBU) Summary: Environmental issues were at the top of the agenda for new Party Secretary Wang Yang during his January 4 meeting with Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, according to Peter Pak-yan Leung, Director of Hong Kong's Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in Guangzhou. Appreciating ren [...] | 2008-01-17 07:52:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN SENV PGOV ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU285 | GUANGDONG COURTS ALIBABA TO BE THE CANTON TRADE FAIR THAT [...] (SBU) Summary: After heavy lobbying from Guangdong's Party Secretary, E-commerce giant Alibaba, the largest B2B portal in China, recently announced it would set up its South China regional headquarters in Guangzhou, an investment that could bolster the province's efforts to upgrade local indust [...] | 2008-05-16 08:44:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINT ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU291 | Uncomfortable Squeeze for South China Shoe Factories [...] (SBU) Summary: What do you do when it costs more to close a south China shoe factory than to continue operations? Some Hong Kong and Taiwan investors downsize and keep their production lines open, adopting a wait-and-see approach. Others turn the key on the door one evening and abscond at nig [...] | 2008-05-23 06:27:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EIND ELAB ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU292 | "NETIZENS" HAVE THE GUANGDONG GOVERNMENT'S EAR [...] (SBU) Summary: If the Party Secretary can take the time to surf the web for ideas and useful policy proposals, so can you. That's the message from Guangdong Party Secretary Wang Yang to his subordinates, following a recent highly publicized meeting with 26 prominent south China "netizens" (act [...] | 2008-05-23 08:54:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINT ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU302 | LNG Expansion - Fujian Readies for Operation of South [...] (U) Summary: A delivery from Egypt marked the official opening of Fujian's new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. Supply to domestic users will begin in mid-late June. Success has been tempered by the real world: rising international prices and difficulty finding reliable long-term suppli [...] | 2008-05-29 09:26:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG ECON EMIN SENV PGOV TRGY CH |
08GUANGZHOU307 | GUANGZHOU GOVERNMENT GRAPPLES WITH "AFRICA TOWN" [...] (SBU) Summary: The local authorities have responded to the growing numbers and high concentrations of Africans in various Guangzhou neighborhoods by quietly funding research into crime rates, religious practices, and tax payments associated with their activities. It is unclear whether this is [...] | 2008-06-03 01:39:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EINV ECON PREL SOCI XA CH NI ML RW |
08GUANGZHOU378 | Regulators' Vague Signals and Inflation Policies Causing [...] (SBU) Summary: To incorporate locally, or to remain a foreign branch, that is the question for south China's international banks. Bank of Montreal, Bank of America and other foreign banks are concerned by what they see as unclear government signals that could lead to future losses if banks fail [...] | 2008-06-27 02:55:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EINV CH |
08GUANGZHOU398 | Credit Tightening Squeezing Small and Medium Enterprises in [...] (SBU) Summary: Monetary tightening measures taken by the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) have greatly reduced the amount of credit available in south China, according to bank executives and industry watchers. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are having difficulty obtaining credit [...] | 2008-07-07 09:13:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EINV PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU406 | Effort to Move Factories and Migrant Workers from Pearl [...] (U) Summary: He could have called it the "Out with the Old" policy, but instead Guangdong Party Secretary Wang Yang recently announced a ?Double Transfer? policy to move both labor-intensive industries and migrant laborers to less-developed areas of Guangdong, or out of the province entirely. [...] | 2008-07-10 07:13:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PGOV ELAB SMIG PHUM EINV CH |
08GUANGZHOU414 | Guangdong Releases Labor Contract Law Implementation [...] (SBU) Summary: Since it went into effect on January 1, Guangdong businesspeople, domestic and foreign, have struggled to be in compliance in the absence of implementing guidelines. No more. Or to be more precise, some, if not all of the ambiguity, was removed on July 7 when the Guangdong High [...] | 2008-07-14 08:55:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EIND ELAB ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU419 | South China's High-Tech Zones Struggling to Attract New [...] (U) Summary: If you build it and offer the right package of incentives, they might come. Then again, they might not. Those that do might have been coming anyway. It's not exactly gambling south China style, but the "build it and see what happens" mentality that sometimes infuses the creation [...] | 2008-07-16 08:11:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EINV CH |
08GUANGZHOU42 | DOC 'Clean-Energy' Trade Delegation Visits Guangzhou [...] (U) Summary: During meetings with key government agencies in Guangzhou on January 11, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance David Bohigian, along with 16 members of his 'Clean-Energy' Trade Delegation, discussed environmental protection, IPR, energy conservation, moni [...] | 2008-01-24 07:37:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG ECON EMIN SENV PGOV TRGY CH |
08GUANGZHOU425 | Gone with the Wind - Guangdong Advances Wind Sector [...] (U) Summary: As Guangdong's power crunch worsens, and the province faces brownouts and blackouts in the years ahead, local officials are looking at new ways to generate energy, including the use of wind and the construction of China's largest off-shore wind farm. Scarce land resources and diff [...] | 2008-07-21 08:15:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG ECON EMIN SENV PGOV TRGY CH |
08GUANGZHOU435 | A Lighter Coat of Varnish: PRD Furniture Manufacturers [...] No summary [...] | 2008-07-23 03:36:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EIND ELAB ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU437 | A Lighter Coat of Varnish: PRD Furniture Manufacturers [...] (SBU) Summary: Hard times are here - and likely here to stay - for the Pearl River Delta's (PRD's) furniture makers. The industry has been among the most affected by a local business environment that has become less friendly to labor-intensive, export-oriented firms. As with other similarly o [...] | 2008-07-23 05:52:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EIND ELAB ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU438 | 2008 Pearl River IP Forum Achieves Breakthrough in [...] (SBU) Summary: The 2008 Pearl River IP Forum - jointly organized by the U.S. Consulate's Guangzhou branch of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO Guangzhou) and Guangdong Intellectual Property Office (IPO) on July 15 - brought together -- for the first time in recent memory -- bus [...] | 2008-07-23 06:01:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD KIPR ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU453 | Green Building in the Pearl River Delta - a Fad or the [...] (SBU) Summary: In an effort to woo high-end clients in the highly-competitive South China property market, developers here have started building green. Property developers are spending more to invest in U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green B [...] | 2008-07-29 08:31:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SENV ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU455 | U.S. Firm Sees Rising Number of Child Labor Cases [...] (SBU) Summary: Factory auditors from a major U.S. firm have seen an increase in incidences of child labor at some factories of firms it contracts with, especially in Shantou, Guangdong and Quanzhou, Fujian. A senior auditor told us that a tighter labor market, with employees looking for opport [...] | 2008-07-30 08:04:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ETRD ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU466 | Reforming the Countryside: Micro-Finance in Guangxi [...] (U) Microfinance is on the rise in Guangxi, as commercial banks, rural credit unions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) expand their lending programs. Banks are eager to make rural finance profitable. The area's dominant rural credit union complains that defaults continue to be a probl [...] | 2008-08-01 09:14:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN EAGR PGOV SOCI ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU479 | Wal-Mart Signs Collective Agreement in Shenzhen - A Model [...] (SBU) Summary: Wal-Mart just wanted a good contract that burnished its reputation as a good corporate citizen. What it got, according to the firm's senior human resources (HR) manager, was one that the All China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) hopes will be a model for foreign enterprises t [...] | 2008-08-08 07:31:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ETRD ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU48 | 400,000 Stranded Rail Passengers in Guangdong [...] (SBU) Summary: Severe weather, which is causing transportation shut-downs in Central and East China, has left 400,000 passengers stranded at railway stations in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Dongguan in the Pearl River Delta. With the delays to date, it is possible that upwards of 700,000 passengers [...] | 2008-01-29 06:42:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELTN SOCI PGOV ELAB ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU486 | Environmental Impact Assessments vs. Economic Development: [...] (SBU) Summary: Guangdong has set lofty goals aimed at becoming a leader in environmental protection, but a look at how it goes about doing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) suggests it still has a long way to go. According to contacts familiar with the process, auditors can easily manipu [...] | 2008-08-11 09:32:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SENV ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU487 | Guangdong's Cosmetic Makers Sees Stronger Safety Regulation [...] (U) Summary: The Chinese government's regime for protecting consumers from unsafe cosmetic products has strengthened in the last year -- foreign consumers that is. Executives in Guangdong's cosmetic manufacturing industry point out that government testing and inspection of export products has [...] | 2008-08-11 09:33:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EIND TBIO ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU489 | Guangdong Labor Law Guidelines - Good News and Bad for U.S. [...] (SBU) Summary: There's good news and bad news for U.S. firms in Guangdong's new implementation guidelines for the Labor Contract Law and Labor Mediation and Arbitration Law, according to HR executives at U.S. companies with major operations in the province. On the plus side, the guidelines [...] | 2008-08-13 08:14:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU498 | Unraveling? - Guangdong Apparel Exports to the U.S. Drop [...] (U) Summary: The apparel export powerhouse that is Guangdong has become a little less powerful. Global apparel exports dropped 31.3% during the first half of the year, and exports to the United States fell 27.3%. Local firms blame demanding U.S. buyers, renminbi (RMB) appreciation, increased [...] | 2008-08-18 05:35:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU509 | SOUTH CHINA REPORTING OFFICERS CONFERENCE, Guangzhou, [...] (U) Consulate General Guangzhou is pleased to announce that it will host the 2008 South China Reporting Officers Conference September 24-27, 2008. Consulate General Guangzhou welcomes attendance and participation from all addressee posts. Topics of Discussion -------------------- 2. (U) [...] | 2008-08-21 06:31:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA PREL ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU51 | Bad Weather Making It Hard on Stranded Guangzhou Train [...] (SBU) Summary: As many as 200,000 stranded passengers continue to wait at the main Guangzhou train station with most standing outside or seeking shelter in nearby buildings. Despite deteriorating weather conditions, the majority of travelers do not seem dissuaded from continuing their homeward [...] | 2008-01-30 08:00:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELTN SOCI PGOV ELAB ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU518 | Guangdong's 'Double Transfer' Policy - A View from the [...] (U) Summary: Guangdong province will spend RMB 50 billion (USD 7 billion) to encourage labor-intensive industries and migrant labor to move out of the Pearl River Delta under its new "double transfer" policy (ref A). Less-developed, third and fourth tier cities in the province like Heyuan are [...] | 2008-08-26 02:01:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU52 | SHENZHEN STOCK MARKET LAMENTS LACK OF AUTONOMY [...] (SBU) Summary: Managers at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SSE) are frustrated that excessive regulation and limited market access for foreign investment banks stymie financial innovation, SSE officials told Embassy Beijing's Financial Attache and Congenoffs. As a large institutional investor, S [...] | 2008-01-30 08:01:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN SENV ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU529 | Local Focus on Brand Promotion Leads to Stronger IPR [...] (SBU) Summary: Next to industrial powerhouses like Shenzhen and Dongguan, Shunde is small potatoes among Pearl River Delta cities. But its brand promotion efforts have yielded impressive results. The town boasts market leaders in the household appliance industry that rank among China's top 50 [...] | 2008-08-28 06:58:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD KIPR ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU55 | Trains Resume, Conditions Improve for Stranded Guangzhou [...] (SBU) Summary: Conditions for Guangzhou's stranded rail passengers have generally improved as many trains resumed service in the last 24 hours and rain stopped. Onsite police and government workers appeared better rested and calmer in the face of continuing large crowds, with no new reports of [...] | 2008-01-31 07:13:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELTN SOCI PGOV ELAB ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU554 | Taiwan Media Too Hard on Ma According to Fujian [...] (SBU) Summary: Is Ma Ying-jeou getting a bum rap from the Taiwan media? Cross-Strait scholars at Xiamen University in Fujian province say he deserves higher marks, citing good progress on cross-Strait relations, foreign affairs, political and social issues. One researcher blamed disappointing [...] | 2008-09-17 08:57:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL ECON PGOV TW CH |
08GUANGZHOU558 | New South China Evaluation Criteria less GDP [...] (U) Classified by Consul General Robert Goldberg for reason 1.4 (d). 2. (SBU) SUMMARY: What do YOU need to do to get promoted? For Guangdong Party and government leaders hoping for recognition at the municipal and department-head levels, the answer is better balancing of GDP growth with soc [...] | 2008-09-19 09:04:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU562 | South China Bankers Calm in Face of U.S. Financial Storm [...] (SBU) Summary: The U.S. financial crisis will have little impact on China's financial sector, according to U.S. managers at two south China banks. They point out that the exposure of Chinese banks to "toxic" instruments that have been weakened by the crisis is very small. They are more concer [...] | 2008-09-24 09:33:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | CONFIDENTIAL | PFIN ECON EINV ETRD CH |
08GUANGZHOU58 | No Bubble in South China Property Market Say Developers [...] (SBU) Guangdong real estate developers and consultants are confident of continuing growth in the regional property market, and reject concerns about a potential real estate "bubble". Some maintain that affordability, at least among the region's professional class, is not on the decline, but li [...] | 2008-01-31 07:27:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EINV PGOV SOCI CH |
08GUANGZHOU590 | SOUTH CHINA REPORTING OFFICERS CONFERENCE, SEPTEMBER 24-27, [...] (U) Summary: The September 24-27 2008 South China Reporting Officers Conference - with participation by officers from Embassy Beijing, Consulate General Shanghai, Consulate General Hong Kong, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT),and Consulate General Guangzhou - addressed four main themes: r [...] | 2008-10-09 09:20:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OTRA PREL ECON PGOV CH TW HK |
08GUANGZHOU60 | South China's Foreign Lawyers - Strangers in a Strange [...] (SBU) Foreign attorneys in south China are subject to tight restrictions, including prohibitions on advising on Chinese law, with regard to the nature and scope of their professional activities. Traditional Western legal touchstones such as confidentiality, conflict of interest, and legal prec [...] | 2008-02-01 09:32:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV SOCI ECON EINV CM |
08GUANGZHOU600 | Public and Experts Vote on Key Events of Thirty Years of [...] (SBU) Summary and Comment: The thirtieth anniversary of China's "reform and opening" policy is emerging as topic number one among south China government and media circles. Media outlets are beating the drums to stir public interest in the occasion. Two local media outlets working with governm [...] | 2008-10-17 09:05:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PGOV KPAO CH |
08GUANGZHOU618 | Toy Factory Closure Raises Concern, Foreshadows More [...] (SBU) Summary: Factory closures, especially those like Smart Union in the toy industry, have become topic one in south China, especially in the Pearl River Delta. Local governments are now scrambling to identify other factories that might be on the verge of shutting down; many of these have be [...] | 2008-10-24 08:42:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EIND ELAB ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU619 | Shenzhen Stock Exchange Official Sees Trouble Ahead for [...] (C) Summary: A Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SSE) official believes that the impact of the global financial crisis is already being felt in south China's real economy. However, she acknowledged that many firms are well positioned to weather the storm. She complained about the effect of retail inve [...] | 2008-10-24 08:42:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN ETRD EINV PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU62 | Crowds Persist at Train Station [...] (SBU) Summary: Thousands of stranded travelers have successfully departed Guangzhou's train station in the last two days, but progress has attracted as many as 200,000 more travelers to the station. Police efforts to maintain general control appeared effective even as isolated incidents of dis [...] | 2008-02-01 09:54:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELTN SOCI PGOV ELAB ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU625 | South China IPR: Visiting US Federal Judge and Prosecutor [...] (U) Summary: Conventional wisdom says that judges can talk with judges, police can talk with police. During a PTO-sponsored two-day program in south China, a Senior U.S. District Judge and a Department of Justice (DOJ) Prosecutor talked with both, and students too, sharing ideas on how to prot [...] | 2008-10-29 08:51:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD KIPR ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU63 | Large Numbers of Travelers Depart Guangzhou; Up to One [...] (SBU) Summary: Guangzhou's main train station continues to draw travelers, with estimates that as many as one million people remain stranded in South China. In the wake of two train-station-related deaths over the weekend, police erected additional roadblocks outside Friday's half-mile perimete [...] | 2008-02-04 09:11:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELTN SOCI PGOV ELAB ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU648 | 104TH CANTON TRADE FAIR: ATTENDANCE AND BUSINESS DOWN, BUT [...] Summary: The 104th Canton Trade Fair could not escape the effects of the global financial crisis, with almost 15,000 fewer visitors and a transaction volume down nearly seven billion U.S. dollars from the 103rd Fair held six months ago. Fair officials claimed that the event had nonetheless gon [...] | 2008-11-10 06:07:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV ECON PGOV CH HK TW |
08GUANGZHOU655 | 104TH CANTON TRADE FAIR: ATTENDANCE AND BUSINESS DOWN, BUT [...] Summary: The 104th Canton Trade Fair could not escape the effects of the global financial crisis, with almost 15,000 fewer visitors and a transaction volume down nearly seven billion U.S. dollars from the 103rd Fair held six months ago. Fair officials claimed that the event had nonetheless gon [...] | 2008-11-12 03:13:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV ECON PGOV CH HK TW |
08GUANGZHOU668 | China's Largest Association of Taiwan Investors Complains [...] (SBU) Summary: Approximately 500 out of 6,000 Taiwan-invested enterprises have closed in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) city of Dongguan since last year, with more closures to come over the Lunar New Year holiday, according to the Secretary General of the Dongguan Taiwan Businessmen's Association [...] | 2008-11-14 09:29:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EINV ELAB TW CH |
08GUANGZHOU685 | South China Financiers Prepare for China's First Real [...] (SBU) Summary: The withdrawal of inter-bank credit lines to foreign banks following Lehman's collapse was largely due to bankers' concerns about increased counter party risks, according to south China bankers. They told Financial Minister Counselor Loevinger that regulators did not explicitly [...] | 2008-11-21 09:31:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN SENV ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU696 | Guangdong Toy Association 20th Anniversary -Celebration or [...] (SBU) Summary: The Guangdong Toy Association's recent Twentieth Anniversary Banquet was both a celebration of the organization's milestone, but also a rallying cry for manufacturers facing economic challenges unprecedented in the organization's history. Concerns about declining overseas orders [...] | 2008-11-26 09:21:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EIND ELAB KIPR ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU7 | LNG Expansion - A Key Component in South China's Energy [...] (U) Summary: South China is betting big on liquefied natural gas to diversify its energy mix and plans to expand LNG import capacity dramatically over the next few years. Fujian Terminal will become the region's second LNG terminal in 2009. Dapeng Terminal in Shenzhen, currently China's only [...] | 2008-01-03 07:02:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG ECON EMIN SENV PGOV TRGY CH |
08GUANGZHOU704 | South China SEZ Blog Now Online at Communities @ State [...] U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou is pleased to announce its newest communication tool -- South China SEZ -- an interactive blog hosted on the OpenNet's Communities @ State website. South China SEZ is a "special exchange zone" on the economic and political issues affecting the Pearl River Delta [...] | 2008-12-03 09:19:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON PGOV AINF CH |
08GUANGZHOU711 | CHINESE CIVIL AVIATION: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE IN SOUTH [...] (U) Summary: An early-November agreement on direct charter flights between Taiwan and mainland China will have a negative effect on the number of passengers transiting Macau, according to aviation experts gathered for Zhuhai's biannual Airshow China at the 2008 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau-Taiwan [...] | 2008-12-08 07:12:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ETRD EINV ECON PGOV CH HK TW |
08GUANGZHOU712 | South China's Soil in Desperate Need of a Clean Up [...] (SBU) Thirty years of "pollution first, treatment later" has led to a severe and growing soil contamination problem - perhaps more troubling health-wise than air and water pollution - in the Pearl River Delta (PRD). Excessive concentrations of heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers and other ca [...] | 2008-12-08 07:12:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | SENV EAGR ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU715 | Dire Predictions in Dongguan -- Hong Kong Investors Predict [...] (SBU) Hong Kong investors in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) are sounding the alarm, eager to attract attention to the growing economic impact of the global financial crisis on labor-intensive export manufacturers that have been a driving force in the region's economy. Leaders of an industrial as [...] | 2008-12-09 09:04:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB EFIN ECON ETRD EIND PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU719 | Dongguan Officials Express Optimism But Acknowledge [...] (SBU) Summary: Government officials in Dongguan, a major manufacturing center in the heart of the Pearl River Delta between Guangzhou and Shenzhen, are doing their best to put a positive spin on the city's economic prospects. They express hope that Dongguan's growth in 2009 will be comparable [...] | 2008-12-11 08:57:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EINV ELAB TW CH |
08GUANGZHOU720 | South China IPR: Rights Holders Call for "IPR Summit" and [...] Summary: Lax enforcement remains the key problem for intellectual property (IP) rights holders operating in south China, according to the 30 business and legal professionals at the Consul General's December 2 IPR roundtable. Rights holders recommended that senior Obama Administration IP offici [...] | 2008-12-11 09:34:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD KIPR ECON PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU723 | Thirty Years of Reform and Opening: Shantou - The SEZ That [...] (U) Summary: Despite its special economic zone (SEZ) status and natural advantages such as a seaport and a large overseas Chinese population, Shantou's economic performance over the last 30 years has lagged behind that of Guangdong Province as a whole. Shantou officials and academics say their [...] | 2008-12-16 06:28:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV PGOV ETRD |
08GUANGZHOU724 | Shantou - Eastern Guangdong Economy Has Advantages to [...] (U) Summary: Maybe our industry and government contacts in Shantou are dreaming but they are starting to think that perhaps after thirty years their time has come and the global financial storm won't have the same damaging impact in eastern Guangdong Province that it's wreaking on the export-p [...] | 2008-12-17 06:15:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ELAB EFIN ETRD EIND PGOV |
08GUANGZHOU732 | 30 Years of Reform and Opening in Guangdong - Retreat to [...] (SBU) Summary and comment: Guangdong Province, where China's economic transformation began, is in a celebratory mood publicly, but behind the scenes, everyone - from top government and business leaders to think tankers whose job it is to peer into the future - is fretting over the meaning of 30 [...] | 2008-12-22 09:18:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PGOV ELAB ETRD EINV EIND CH |
08GUANGZHOU74 | Guangzhou Train Station Returns to Normal Holiday [...] (SBU) Summary: Guangzhou Train Station sent 200,000 passengers home February 4, with air and bus lines also operating at full holiday capacity. Access control restrictions have been lifted, providing the first opportunity for Consulate employees to enter Railway Station Square in over a week. [...] | 2008-02-05 09:15:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELTN SOCI PGOV ELAB ECON CH |
08GUANGZHOU92 | Government Incentives Diminishing in South China Investment [...] (SBU) Summary: Government policies encouraging investment in south China have significantly diminished and are no longer a major factor in most foreign and domestic companies' investment decisions here, according to local manufacturers who met with visiting U.S. International Trade Commission ( [...] | 2008-02-14 07:49:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ETRD EIND ECON SENV PGOV CH |
08GUANGZHOU97 | Looking toward ASEAN - Guangxi Hopes to Expand Economic [...] (SBU) Summary: Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is eager expand economic relations with Southeast Asia. ASEAN already accounts for 32 percent of its total foreign trade, and the capital, Nanning, hosts the high-profile China-ASEAN Expo, which attracts hundreds of businesses and many heads of s [...] | 2008-02-15 08:37:00 | Consulate Guangzhou | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD PREL EINV ELTN EWWT EIND ECON ASEAN CH |
08GUATEMALA1017 | PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS RESIGNS OVER INVESTMENT [...] (U) Summary: On August 6, President of Congress Eduardo Meyer of the governing UNE Party resigned from office in the face of mounting political pressure over an investment scandal that has wracked Congress and periodically dominated press headlines in Guatemala. In recent days, leaders of all [...] | 2008-08-11 18:06:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KCRM ECON GT |
08GUATEMALA1018 | DEMARCHE ON 2009 SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS DRAFT [...] No summary [...] | 2008-08-11 18:11:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL SOCI ECON EFIN ENRG ETRD KSUM GT |
08GUATEMALA1031 | GUATEMALAN DELEGATION TO DMA VIII CONFERENCE [...] (C) On August 11, Embassy officer met with Colonel Manuel ALVAREZ Carranza with the MOD's Political Military Affairs Office to discuss the GOG's travel party and agenda for the September 2-6 DMA VIII conference in Alberta, Canada. According to Alvarez, the GOG's delegation will include the fol [...] | 2008-08-12 22:28:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON MARR MOPS PGOV PREL GT |
08GUATEMALA1036 | GUATEMALA'S TELECOMS CAFTA DISPUTE [...] (SBU) Summary: USTR and Embassy officials met with GOG trade and telecoms officials July 23-25 in an effort to resolve a potential CAFTA arbitration complaint by a U.S. telecoms investor (Americatel) and to discuss broader CAFTA-DR compliance issues related to the case. Discussions centered o [...] | 2008-08-13 14:27:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS EINV GT |
08GUATEMALA1127 | COLOM NAMES RUDY VILLEDA TO HEAD GUATEMALAN TAX [...] (U) On August 14, President Colom appointed Rudy Baldemar Villeda Vanegas to lead the Guatemalan Tax Administration Officem following the resignation of Carolina Roca. Villeda has extensive experience in the public sector including one term as President of the National Ports Commission and 21 [...] | 2008-09-05 14:28:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN GT |
08GUATEMALA1180 | VP ESPADA JOINS EMBASSY'S AIRPORT SECURITY WORKING [...] (SBU) Summary: Guatemala's Vice President Espada paid an unexpected visit to the August 26th meeting of the USG-GOG airport security working group. Espada highlighted the improvements made in airport security under the leadership of Director General of Civil Aviation Jose Carlos Suarez (refte [...] | 2008-09-17 19:20:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON PGOV GT |
08GUATEMALA1281 | PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS ANTICIPATES FAILURE OF TAX [...] (C) Summary. President of Congress Crespo told the Ambassador October 3 that he believed Congress would approve neither the GOG's tax reform package nor the pending Arms and Ammunition Bill. Crespo supported President Colom's request for a substantial national budget increase to address det [...] | 2008-10-15 14:00:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV EFIN KCRM GT |
08GUATEMALA1299 | PRIVATE SECTOR LEADERS POSITIVE ON RELATIONSHIP [...] (U) Summary: On October 6, the CACIF (Coordinating Committee of Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial and Financial Associations) board of directors hosted Ambassador McFarland for lunch to describe its priorities and its relationship with the Colom Administration. CACIF directors made clea [...] | 2008-10-17 17:20:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PGOV PREL GT |
08GUATEMALA1337 | STRONG STATE INSTITUTIONS ARE KEY TO GUATEMALA'S [...] (U) Summary: On October 14, the Foundation for the Development of Guatemala (FUNDESA) hosted its fifth annual meeting of the National Encounter of Businessmen (ENADE). Representatives from all sectors, including Colombia's former President Pastrana, emphasized the important role that strong st [...] | 2008-10-28 18:09:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV PREL GT |
08GUATEMALA1357 | FINANCIAL CRISIS IMPACTS REMITTANCES FLOWS TO GUATEMALA [...] SUMMARY: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) presented its annual survey on remittances for Guatemala on October 17, 2008. According to the IOM, about 30% of Guatemalan families receive remittances. The IOM projects that as a result of the financial crisis, remittances to Guat [...] | 2008-10-30 21:38:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON GT |
08GUATEMALA1360 | NARCOTRAFFICKERS INCREASINGLY INFILTRATE CIVAIR [...] (C) Summary: In a meeting with Embassy officers, civil aviation authorities and union representatives expressed concern over the increased presence of narcotraffickers in civil aviation operations, particularly in Puerto Barrios in the eastern part of the country (ref A). They highlighted th [...] | 2008-10-31 14:38:00 | Embassy Guatemala | SECRET | SNAR EAIR ELAB ECON PGOV GT |
08GUATEMALA1364 | USAID AND SOCIAL COHESION COUNCIL ESTABLISH WORKING GROUP [...] Summary: On October 16, the Ambassador and USAID Acting Mission Director Rose Rakas attended a meeting led by First Lady Sandra Torres de Colom to discuss the Social Cohesion Council's poverty reduction programs and ways in which the USG, through USAID, could further support the GOG's anti-pove [...] | 2008-10-31 15:58:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EAGR ECON PGOV GT |
08GUATEMALA1407 | WHA/CEN DIRECTOR FOCUSES ON SECURITY DURING VISIT [...] (C) During an October 22-25 visit to Guatemala, WHA/CEN Director Christopher Webster drew attention to the USG's programs address crucial security concerns in Guatemala. Webster briefed senior GOG leaders on the Merida Initiative, and heard from a variety of interlocutors about Guatemala's det [...] | 2008-11-10 14:30:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV SNAR ECON KV GT |
08GUATEMALA1423 | AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH ROBERTO ALEJOS, [...] (C) Summary: Ambassador McFarland hosted the President-elect of the Guatemalan Congress, Roberto Alejos, for breakfast on November 6. Alejos, a member of President Colom's National Unity of Hope (UNE) government, noted the difficulty Congress would have funding President Colom's security and [...] | 2008-11-13 20:39:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON EFIN PINR GT |
08GUATEMALA1468 | GUATEMALA CITY'S ZONE 18, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE [...] (SBU) Introduction: On November 18, Poloffs toured Guatemala City's high crime district of Zone 18 to examine political and economic issues in a part of the capital less frequented by Embassy staff. As part of the visit officers toured a local market, met with local community leaders, visite [...] | 2008-11-26 07:13:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON SOCI ELAB ENRG PGOV GT |
08GUATEMALA1479 | AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH MINISTER OF LABOR [...] (SBU) Summary: During a November 13 courtesy call, the Ambassador and Minister of Labor Edgar Rodriguez discussed a range of issues, including migrant workers, violence against trade unionists, the expected increase in Guatemala's minimum wage, and next steps in the CAFTA labor submission accep [...] | 2008-12-02 10:58:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | ELAB PHUM ECON KHLS KCRM KJUS KDEM PGOV GT |
08GUATEMALA1506 | BUDGET/TAX REFORM VOTE VICTORY FOR COLOM [...] (SBU) Summary: On November 21, Congress passed President Colom's "solidarity tax" (ISO) and 2009 budget of Quetzales 49.7 billion (approximately $6.5 billion). The successful passage of these measures is a significant victory for President Colom and demonstrates his ability, at least for now [...] | 2008-12-05 08:25:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN SOCI PGOV GT |
08GUATEMALA1579 | POVERTY AND VIOLENCE PLAGUE GUATEMALA CITY'S ZONE 7 [...] Summary: On December 11, poloffs toured a 10-kilometer stretch of Guatemala City's Zone 7, considered a dangerous "red zone" of high criminal activity, and met with government, NGO and community representatives to better understand the issues affecting this marginalized portion of the capital. [...] | 2008-12-24 09:27:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV KCRM SOCI KWMN ASEC ELAB ECON GT |
08GUATEMALA178 | (C) GUATEMALA GIVING SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO [...] (C) Summary. Acting Foreign Minister Miguel Ibarra told us privately that Guatemala would likely sign a PetroCaribe deal with the GOV to meet a small percentage of Guatemala's energy needs. This initial agreement would allow the GOG to assess Venezuela's ability to meet its needs, while mai [...] | 2008-02-21 17:10:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ENRG ECON VZ GT |
08GUATEMALA255 | GUATEMALAN COMPANIES VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATE IN [...] On February 27, during its annual awards ceremony, the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (AGEXPORT) and its Apparel and Textile Industry Commission (VESTEX) publicly recognized and certified 29 Guatemalan textile and apparel companies that voluntarily participated in, and fulfilled the requi [...] | 2008-02-29 01:05:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB EIND ETRD PHUM ECON KJUS KDEM GT |
08GUATEMALA288 | (C) DETAILS EMERGE ON POSSIBLE GUATEMALA [...] (C) Summary. On February 29, Minister of Energy and Mines Carlos Meany privately passed the Ambassador a memorandum detailing February 11 discussions on PetroCaribe between Gautemala and Venezuela. The memorandum summarizes the current state of play and was given to the Venezuelans to use a [...] | 2008-03-06 22:22:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ENRG ECON VZ GT |
08GUATEMALA446 | GOG STRUGGLES TO MAKE ENDS MEET [...] SUMMARY: The Colom administration arrived in office with a surging economy and a reasonable budget that projected a 2008 fiscal deficit of 1.6% of GDP. On April 1, Guatemala's Congress approved the last of five IDB and World Bank loans necessary to finance the 2008 budget deficit. Finance Min [...] | 2008-04-09 19:45:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON PGOV GT |
08GUATEMALA464 | CRIME OVERSHADOWS SOCIAL INITIATIVES DURING [...] (C) The Colom Government's first three months in office have been difficult. High-profile crimes shocked the country and distracted public attention from the government's plans for social investment and reform. Contradictory policy pronouncements and personnel shifts have given the impressio [...] | 2008-04-15 19:52:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON ASEC GT |
08GUATEMALA529 | COLOM DEFENDS FIRST 100 DAYS [...] (U) On April 23, President Alvaro Colom publicly outlined his government's achievements during its first 100 days. The Vice President, First Lady, Cabinet, Diplomatic Corps, some Members of Congress, press, and others were in attendance. Colom described his government as breaking with the pas [...] | 2008-04-25 14:22:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON ASEC GT |
08GUATEMALA600 | COLOM SAYS PETROCARIBE NEGOTIATIONS AT "IMPASSE" [...] (U) President Alvaro Colom told press May 8 that the GOG's discussions with the Government of Venezuela about a PetroCaribe deal are at an "impasse." "We do not want to get into the fuels business; that's not a government function," Colom reportedly told journalists. Colom also dismissed the [...] | 2008-05-09 18:07:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ENRG ECON VZ GT |
08GUATEMALA644 | TRANSPORTATION CRISIS LOOMS FOR COLOM [...] (U) Transportation problems are looming for the Colom Administration as a 15-day "State of Prevention" draws to a close May 21. On May 7, President Colom declared a nationwide "State of Prevention," which suspended all strikes and protests, to restore order after truck drivers demonstrated in [...] | 2008-05-21 05:09:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON SOCI ELAB ENRG PGOV GT |
08GUATEMALA677 | GUATEMALA TAKES STEPS TO RESOLVE ELECTRICITY CRISIS [...] Summary: During a recent lunch with the Ambassador, Guatemalan Energy and Mines Minister Carlos Meany detailed steps the GOG has taken to mitigate a shortage of electricity that would have resulted in blackouts by April 2009. The Ministry has signed contracts to expand Guatemalan electrical [...] | 2008-05-28 22:43:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG ECON PREL PGOV GT |
08GUATEMALA689 | GUATEMALA TELCOM DISPUTE - GOG INTERESTED IN [...] (U) On March 6, U.S.-owned telecommunications company Americatel submitted a letter to the Guatemalan Ministry of Economy requesting consultations with the GOG under Article 10 of CAFTA-DR, the first step in filing a dispute for arbitration under CAFTA-DR. Americatel requested that the GOG ta [...] | 2008-05-30 19:20:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS EINV GT |
08GUATEMALA692 | GUATEMALA SUPPORTS GLOBAL MARITIME PARTNERSHIP [...] No summary [...] | 2008-06-02 20:52:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | EWWT EAID ECIN ECON EFIS MARR MASS MCAP GT |
08GUATEMALA759 | INVESTMENT SCANDAL WRACKS CONGRESS [...] (C) On June 9, President of Congress Eduardo Meyer, a member of President Alvaro Colom's National Unity of Hope (UNE) Party, announced that a member of his staff illegally transferred approximately $11 million of public funds to a private investment house, MDF, provoking a firestorm of public [...] | 2008-06-16 22:44:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KCRM ECON GT |
08GUATEMALA771 | A VIEW FROM THE FIELD: THE COLOM GOVERNMENT'S [...] Summary. The Colom government's political fortunes are closely linked with its ability to deliver on promises of reducing poverty, especially among the rural, indigenous poor of Guatemala. Across the countryside, optimistic technocrats are determined to implement new programs announced by th [...] | 2008-06-18 22:36:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EAID ECON GT PGOV |
08GUATEMALA775 | GUATEMALA'S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DILEMMA [...] (U) Summary: Soaring gasoline prices, increased violence against bus drivers, and protracted talks of a fare increase are among the factors placing Guatemala's public transportation system under increasing strain. Bus owners demand greater government subsidies to offset their increasing expe [...] | 2008-06-20 13:41:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELTN ENRG PGOV SNAR KCRM KCOR ELAB ECON GT |
08GUATEMALA783 | GUATEMALA CLOSE TO SIGNING ON TO PETROCARIBE [...] Minister of Mines and Energy, Carlos Meany, met with Ambassador on June 20 and discussed in some detail status of negotiation with Venezuela on a Petrocaribe agreement. Bottom line is that both sides are very close to a final agreement. Meany anticipated that President is likely to sign a Pet [...] | 2008-06-23 22:58:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | ENRG ECON PREL PGOV GT |
08GUATEMALA802 | DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH GUATEMALAN CIVIL SOCIETY [...] (SBU) Summary: Deputy Secretary Negroponte visited Guatemala June 5-6. On June 6, he met with civil society leaders to discuss human rights and other key social issues. Civil society leaders expressed concern over impunity and corruption, and stressed the need to strengthen state institution [...] | 2008-06-26 22:33:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | OVIP ESOCI KCRM PHUM KJUS KDEM SNAR ECON GT |
08GUATEMALA845 | GUATEMALAN LABOR MINISTRY HOSTS NATIONAL SEMINAR [...] On July 1, the Ministry of Labor, in coordination with representative organizations of the Guatemalan labor movement and civil society, hosted the "First National Seminar to Promote Employment and Business Competitiveness through Compliance with Labor Laws in Guatemala." Government officials, [...] | 2008-07-07 22:23:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB EIND ETRD PHUM ECON KJUS KDEM GT |
08GUATEMALA853 | GUATEMALA: DEMARCHE ON UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION [...] Poloff delivered reftel demarche and non-paper on the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to Luis Carranza, Director for Multilateral Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA); Joaquin Flores Espana, Director General of Postal Services at the Ministry of Communications; and Ingrid Barillas, Hea [...] | 2008-07-08 21:14:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC ECON ETRD WTRO GT |
08GUATEMALA867 | AMBASSADOR'S FAREWELL CALL ON PRESIDENT COLOM [...] (C) During the Ambassador's July 8 farewell call on President Colom, Colom defended his decision to sign a PetroCaribe deal with Venezuela, asserting that the deal would help to alleviate rising fuel and food prices. Colom expressed confidence in new Minister of Government Jimenez, and reviewed the [...] | 2008-07-09 22:12:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV ENRG ECON GT |
08GUATEMALA895 | PRESIDENT COLOM SIGNS PETROCARIBE DEAL WITH [...] On July 13, President Colom signed a PetroCaribe deal (reftel) with Venezuela during the 5th Extraordinary Summit of PetroCaribe member states in Maracaibo, Venezuela to help alleviate Guatemala's increasing fuel and food prices. Under the terms of the deal, which requires congressional approv [...] | 2008-07-14 23:34:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG ECON ETRD PREL PGOV SOCI GT |
08GUATEMALA924 | INFLATION AND NARCOTRAFFICKING WORRIES IN ZACAPA [...] (C) Weak rule of law and rising inflation are taking a toll on economic activity and citizen security in Zacapa, an eastern department of Guatemala wracked by narcotrafficking. An unprecedented March 25 gun battle between Mexican and Guatemalan narcotraffickers that killed eleven has left Zac [...] | 2008-07-22 14:20:00 | Embassy Guatemala | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON SNAR ENRG PGOV SENV GT |
08GUATEMALA934 | GUATEMALA TO SUPPORT U.S. CANDIDATES FOR UNIVERSAL [...] No summary [...] | 2008-07-22 22:34:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC ECON ETRD WTRO GT |
08GUAYAQUIL174 | NEW MINISTER OF INDUSTRIES COMES FROM CUENCA,S [...] (C) Summary: Xavier Abad replaced Raul Sagasti as Minister of Industry and Competition. Both are businessmen who are not affiliated with Correa,s party, but Abad may be a more effective advocate for the private sector than the low-profile Sagasti. Abad is from the prosperous southern highlan [...] | 2008-07-28 14:27:00 | Consulate Guayaquil | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ECON EC |
08GUAYAQUIL234 | GUAYAQUIL BUSINESS LEADERS FRET OVER ECONOMIC [...] (SBU) Summary. On September 17, the Ambassador met for the first time with leaders of the Guayaquil business sector to hear views on the investment climate in Guayaquil, Ecuador,s commercial center, and priorities for the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Ecuador. Most participants [...] | 2008-09-26 15:20:00 | Consulate Guayaquil | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EINV ELAB PGOV EC |
08GUAYAQUIL305 | COASTAL PARTIES PREPARE FOR APRIL 2009 ELECTIONS [...] (C) Summary: The announcement that national and local elections will be held in Ecuador on April 26 has spurred Coastal opposition parties to further their preparations to confront President Correa's movement. The Coastal parties are displaying unusual signs of cooperation in trying to craft [...] | 2008-12-19 15:21:00 | Consulate Guayaquil | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ECON EC |
08GUAYAQUIL88 | UNCERTAINTY SLOWING INVESTMENT BY GUAYAQUIL [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the face of continued uncertainty about Ecuador's regulatory environment and long-term policies, Guayaquil's business sector is still holding off on the new investment needed to foster growth and employment. Business leaders expect continued underperformance in 2008, consider [...] | 2008-04-10 21:36:00 | Consulate Guayaquil | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV EC |